Fresh crisis hits ADC Rivers chapter as ex-guber candidate quits party

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Tonte Ibraye, has resigned his membership of the party, citing internal leadership wrangling and concerns over the legitimacy of its 2027 electoral processes.

Ibraye, in his resignation letter dated September 24, to the ADC Ward chairman in Degema Ward 16, Bille, hinged the development on the fact that the party made it difficult for him to continue as a member.

The governorship candidate, in the letter, said he had remained committed to the growth of the ADC and its principles of internal democracy, fairness and respect for legitimate party structures, expressing concerns over what he described as attempts by some new members to displace legitimate party executives across the country.

He cited examples of the leadership crisis surrounding the David Mark-led faction, its exercise of powers over party structures and electoral processes amid ongoing legal disputes.

He argued that the continued attempt by a disputed leadership to determine ADC candidates for the 2027 elections raises questions about the legitimacy and stability of such candidatures.

He described the political tickets emerging from what he considered disputed processes as standing “on quicksand rather than solid ground.”

The governorship candidate also noted that no political movement could build a credible future, while its internal foundation remained subject of fundamental legal and organisational disputes.

He frowned at the opposition’s focus on replacing President Bola Tinubu without sufficiently presenting Nigerians with a clear strategy on how it intends to govern differently and improve the lives of citizens.

“I have, therefore, decided that I can no longer remain in what I consider a sinking political ship,” he stated in the letter.

He further noted that he would now begin consultations with his supporters, political associates and political leaders across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State on his next political direction.

Ibraye appreciated genuine members and supporters of the ADC with whom he had worked over the years, noting that his resignation would not diminish his commitment to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria or his belief in accountable and people-centred leadership.

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