Tonte Ibraye, who ran for governor of Rivers State on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform in 2023, has formally resigned from the party, effective immediately. In his resignation letter dated September 24, 2026, addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman, Degema Ward 16, Bille, Rivers State, Ibraye cited a prolonged leadership crisis and unresolved legal disputes as the reasons for his departure, warning that these issues threaten the party's 2027 election plans.
Leadership Dispute and Legal Uncertainty Behind Resignation
Ibraye's decision stems from a factional leadership dispute linked to a group associated with former Senate President David Mark. According to The Punch, Ibraye stated that this faction had been exercising authority over party structures and candidate selection processes while related legal matters remained unresolved in court. He argued that allowing a disputed leadership to determine ADC candidates for the 2027 elections puts the legitimacy of those candidacies in serious doubt.
“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,” Ibraye said. As reported by The Nation, he described tickets emerging from such processes as being “on quicksand rather than solid ground.”
Ibraye also highlighted a separate concern: the influx of new entrants attempting to displace duly constituted party executives across the country, a development he believes has deepened the internal crisis further.
Broader Critique of Opposition Politics
Beyond the internal party dispute, Ibraye used his resignation to challenge the broader direction of opposition politics in Nigeria. He criticised what he described as an excessive focus on removing President Bola Tinubu from office without offering Nigerians a credible alternative programme for governance. He argued that meaningful opposition must be anchored on clear economic and social policies rather than the singular objective of defeating an incumbent.
“No political movement can build a credible future while its internal foundation remains subject to fundamental legal and organisational disputes,” he said. “I have decided that I can no longer remain on what I consider a sinking political ship,” he added.
Ibraye said his resignation takes immediate effect. He added that he plans to consult his supporters and political associates across Rivers State's 23 local government areas before announcing his next political direction.
ADC's Realignment and Impact on 2027 Elections
The development comes as the ADC has been drawing in opposition politicians seeking an alternative platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. That realignment has brought both momentum and friction, with disagreements over leadership control and the management of the party's electoral machinery becoming a recurring problem.
Ibraye said departing the ADC would not weaken his commitment to Rivers State or his advocacy for transparent and accountable governance. Meanwhile, in a related development, Legit.ng reported that hundreds of PDP and ADC members in Kabba-Bunu local government area formally crossed to the APC at a decamping ceremony. Former PDP leader Hon. Michael Olubiyo cited Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's leadership style as a key reason for his defection. The APC ward chairman said the mass defection reflects growing support for the governor, state security adviser, and local government chairman.
