Ex-ADC governorship candidate dumps party

Former African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonte Ibraye, has resigned from the party due to ongoing leadership turmoil and unresolved legal disputes concerning internal party structures and election processes. Ibraye, who ran in the 2023 election, informed the ADC Ward Chairman of the Bille Ward 16 in a letter dated September 24, 2026.

Despite his continued support for the ADC's principles of internal democracy, fairness, and respect for legitimate party structures, Ibraye found his membership untenable due to recent developments within the party. He expressed concern over attempts by new entrants to displace elected party officials and highlighted the faction led by former Senate President David Mark's exercise of authority over party structures and electoral processes while related legal matters remained unsettled.

Ibraye warned that the controversy could severely impact candidates produced under contested party leadership for the 2027 elections, stating that the credibility of any political organization relies on the strength and legitimacy of its internal structures. He emphasized that opposition politics should focus on providing a clear program for addressing national challenges rather than solely on defeating the incumbent president.

Ibraye intends to consult with supporters and leaders across Rivers State's 23 local government areas to determine his next political move, maintaining his commitment to people-centered leadership in Nigeria and Rivers State.