Tonte Ibraye Leaves ADC Party Amid Leadership Crisis

Former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State, Tonte Ibraye, has quit the party. He pointed to ongoing leadership problems and legal issues about how the party runs itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ibraye, who ran for governor in the 2023 election, made his resignation known in a letter dated September 24, 2026. The letter was sent to the ADC Ward Chairman, Degema Ward 16, Bille, Rivers State.

He said he had been loyal to the ADC and its values of internal democracy and fairness, but recent events made it hard for him to stay in the party.

He noted that new members trying to replace the existing party executives across the country have worsened the crisis. This has raised serious questions about the party's future.

Ibraye also highlighted a leadership conflict involving the faction led by former Senate President David Mark. He is worried about this group's authority over party matters while important legal issues are still unresolved.

He warned that this crisis could harm candidates chosen through a disputed party leadership. “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 called the candidates coming from what he sees as controversial processes as being “on quicksand rather than solid ground.” Ibraye believes that the trustworthiness of any political group depends on how strong and legitimate its internal setup is.

“No political movement can build a credible future while its internal foundation remains subject to fundamental legal and organisational disputes,” he stated.

His resignation comes as the ADC aims to be a key platform for those opposing the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections. The party has recently drawn in well-known politicians as opposition groups look to create a wider coalition ahead of the elections.

However, this realignment has also brought disagreements over party leadership and control of the electoral process. Ibraye, who ran for the Rivers State governorship on the ADC platform, said the current conflict has gone beyond just political disagreements and is now a matter of principle.

He criticized the opposition for focusing too much on removing President Bola Tinubu. He believes they have not clearly explained to Nigerians how they plan to govern differently.

According to him, opposition politics should not just aim to defeat the sitting government but should also have a clear plan to tackle the country's economic and social problems.

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

Ibraye plans to talk with his supporters, political associates, and leaders across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State before making his next political move.

He thanked the ADC members and supporters he worked with, describing his choice as one made after careful thought about the party's current situation.

He emphasized that leaving the ADC will not lessen his commitment to Rivers State and Nigeria or his push for accountable and transparent leadership. His resignation is effective immediately.