By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA — The 2023 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Dr Tonte Ibraye, has resigned from the party, citing its internal leadership crisis and concerns over the legitimacy of its 2027 electoral processes.

Ibraye also criticised what he described as the opposition’s focus on unseating President Bola Tinubu without presenting Nigerians with a clear alternative governance strategy.

He disclosed his decision in a resignation letter dated September 24, 2026, and addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman in Degema Ward 16, Bille.

Ibraye said recent developments within the party had made it difficult for him to continue as a member.

He said he had 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 commitments 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, which he said had continued to exercise control over party structures and electoral processes amid ongoing legal disputes.

According to Ibraye, attempts by a disputed leadership to determine ADC candidates for the 2027 elections raise questions about the legitimacy and stability of such candidacies.

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

Ibraye argued that no political movement could build a credible future while its internal structures remained subject to fundamental legal and organisational disputes.

Beyond the ADC’s internal crisis, he faulted the broader opposition’s political strategy, saying it had focused disproportionately on replacing Tinubu without sufficiently presenting Nigerians with a clear roadmap on how it intended to govern differently and improve the lives of citizens.

“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 party.

Ibraye said he would now 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.

He expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the ADC with whom he had worked over the years, stressing 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.