By Desire Uzochukwu
The 2023 African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr Tonte Ibraye, has resigned from the party, citing an internal leadership crisis and raising questions over the legitimacy of its processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ibraye, in a resignation letter dated September 24, 2026, and addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman in Degema Ward 16, Bille, said recent developments within the party had made it difficult for him to continue as a member.
He said he remained committed to the growth of the ADC and its principles of internal democracy, fairness and respect for legitimate party structures, but could no longer reconcile those principles with what he described as attempts by some new members to displace existing party executives across the country.
The former governorship candidate also raised concerns over the leadership dispute involving the David Mark-led faction of the party, saying the faction had continued to exercise authority over party structures and electoral processes amid ongoing legal disputes.
Ibraye argued that the emergence of candidates through what he described as disputed processes could raise questions about the legitimacy and stability of such candidatures ahead of 2027.
He said political tickets produced from such processes could be “on quicksand rather than solid ground.”
According to him, no political movement could build a credible future while its internal structures remained subject to fundamental legal and organisational disputes.
Ibraye also criticised what he described as the opposition’s disproportionate focus on removing President Bola Tinubu from office without presenting Nigerians with a sufficiently clear alternative governance strategy.
He argued that opposition parties should go beyond seeking to replace the ruling government and explain how they intend to govern differently and improve the lives of Nigerians.
“I have therefore decided that I can no longer remain on what I consider a sinking political ship,” he stated, announcing his immediate resignation from the ADC.
The former candidate said his decision was based on his assessment of the party’s current direction and not a withdrawal from political activity.
He said he would begin consultations with his supporters, political associates and political leaders across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to determine his next political direction.
Ibraye thanked genuine members and supporters of the ADC with whom he had worked over the years, saying his resignation would not diminish his commitment to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria.
He also reaffirmed his belief in accountable and people-centred leadership.
