Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonte Ibraye, has resigned from the party. Ibraye cited the prolonged leadership crisis and unresolved legal disputes over the party's internal structures and electoral processes as reasons for his resignation. He announced his decision in a letter dated September 24, 2026, addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman in Degema Ward 16, Bille, Rivers State. Ibraye had previously contested the 2023 Rivers State governorship election on the ADC platform.
Ibraye expressed concern over attempts by some new entrants to displace duly constituted party executives across the country, deepening the crisis and raising questions about the party's future. He also criticized the leadership dispute involving the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, particularly its exercise of authority over party structures and electoral processes while related legal matters remained unresolved. According to Ibraye, this situation could have serious implications for candidates produced by processes conducted under a disputed party leadership.
The former governorship candidate argued that a political organization's credibility depends largely on the strength and legitimacy of its internal structures. He stated that no political movement can build a credible future while its internal foundation remains subject to fundamental legal and organizational disputes. Ibraye warned that the controversy could undermine the legitimacy and stability of candidatures produced by the party for the 2027 elections.
Ibraye's resignation comes as the ADC positions itself as a major platform for opposition politicians seeking an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections. The party has attracted prominent politicians and political figures in recent months as opposition groups explore a broader coalition ahead of the elections. However, this realignment has also been accompanied by disagreements over party leadership, structures, and control of its electoral machinery.
Ibraye criticized what he described as the opposition's preoccupation with removing President Bola Tinubu without adequately explaining to Nigerians how it intended to govern differently. He emphasized that opposition politics should extend beyond defeating an incumbent and should be anchored on a clear program capable of addressing the country's economic and social challenges. According to Ibraye, his decision to resign was taken after careful consideration of the developments within the party.
Ibraye said he would now consult with his supporters, political associates, and political leaders across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State before deciding on his next political direction. He thanked members and supporters of the ADC with whom he had worked and stressed that leaving the ADC would not diminish his commitment to Rivers State and Nigeria or his advocacy for accountable, transparent, and people-centered leadership.
Ibraye's resignation takes immediate effect, and he has expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to have worked with the ADC. His decision to leave the party highlights the internal challenges facing the ADC as it seeks to present itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party in the 2027 elections. The implications of Ibraye's resignation for the party's future and the broader opposition landscape in Nigeria remain to be seen.
Key points
- Tonte Ibraye resigns from ADC citing party leadership crisis and unresolved legal disputes.
- Ibraye criticizes opposition's focus on removing President Tinubu without a clear governance plan.
- The resignation highlights internal challenges facing the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.
