The 2023 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Dr Tonte Ibraye, has resigned from the party, citing concerns over its internal leadership crisis and the foundation of its 2027 electoral process.
Ibraye announced his resignation in a letter dated Thursday and addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman in Degema Ward 16, Bille.
He said the party’s internal leadership crisis, particularly the dispute surrounding the David Mark-led faction, had made it impossible for him to remain a member.
According to him, he had remained committed to the party’s principles of internal democracy, fairness and respect for legitimate structures, but recent developments had undermined those values.
Ibraye accused some new members of attempting to take over legitimate party structures across the country despite ongoing legal disputes over the party’s leadership.
He warned that allowing a disputed leadership to determine candidates for the 2027 elections could create problems for those seeking office on the party’s platform.
“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 said.
He added that political tickets emerging from the process were being built “on quicksand rather than solid ground.”
The former governorship candidate argued that no political movement could build a credible future while its internal foundation remained unsettled.
Ibraye also criticised the broader opposition, saying it had focused more on removing President Bola Tinubu than presenting Nigerians with a clear plan for governance.
“I have therefore decided that I can no longer remain on what I consider a sinking political ship,” he said.
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 move.
Ibraye thanked ADC members and supporters who had worked with him over the years.
He added that his resignation would not change his commitment to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria or his belief in accountable and people-centred leadership.
ADC Rivers governorship candidate, Ibraye dumps party, says 2027 tickets on quicksand