Ex-Rivers ADC governorship candidate Ibraye resigns over party leadership crisis

Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonte Ibraye, has resigned from the party, citing an unresolved leadership crisis and concerns about the credibility of its preparations for the 2027 elections.

Mr Ibraye announced his resignation in a letter dated 24 September and addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman in Degema Ward 16, Bille.

He said his decision followed recent developments within the party which, according to him, had made it difficult to continue as a member.

Mr Ibraye said he joined and remained committed to the ADC because of its stated principles of internal democracy, fairness and respect for legitimate party structures.

However, he alleged that some new members of the party were attempting to displace existing executives across the country, a development he said had raised concerns about the party’s internal organisation.

He also questioned the leadership of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark and its involvement in the management of party structures and electoral processes while legal disputes over the party’s leadership remain unresolved.

“I am equally concerned about the leadership crisis surrounding the David Mark-led faction and its exercise of powers over party structures and electoral processes despite the ongoing legal disputes,” the letter read.

According to Mr Ibraye, allowing a disputed leadership structure to oversee the emergence of candidates for the 2027 elections could undermine the legitimacy of the resulting tickets.

He described the situation as one in which candidates emerging from such processes could find themselves standing on “quicksand rather than solid ground.”

“No serious political movement can build a credible future while its own foundation remains the subject of fundamental legal and internal disputes,” he said.

The former governorship candidate also criticised the opposition’s approach to the 2027 elections, saying its focus appeared to be largely centred on replacing President Bola Tinubu rather than clearly explaining to Nigerians how it intended to govern differently.

He said he could no longer remain with a political organisation whose direction he had become increasingly concerned about.

“I have therefore decided that I can no longer remain on what I consider a sinking political ship,” he said.

Mr Ibraye said he would now consult his supporters, political associates and leaders across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State before deciding his next political move.

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He thanked members and supporters of the ADC with whom he had worked, while stressing that his resignation did not amount to a withdrawal from political engagement or his commitment to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria.

He said he remained committed to accountable and people-centred leadership.

Mr Ibraye’s resignation takes immediate effect, according to the letter.

The ADC, which has been positioned as a coalition vehicle for prominent opposition figures, has a former Senate President, David Mark, as its national chairman, ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as national publicity secretary.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also formally joined the party in November 2025, signalling a major realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.