Tonte Ibraye, a former African Democratic Congress candidate for governor of Rivers State, resigned from the party in advance of the 2027 general elections, citing a protracted leadership crisis and unresolved legal disputes over the organization's internal structures and procedures.

In a letter dated September 24, 2026, to the ADC Ward Chairman of Degema Ward 16, Bille, Rivers State, Ibraye, a candidate for governor in the 2023 election, declared his retirement.

He claimed that although he had remained dedicated to the ADC and its values of internal democracy, justice, and respect for legitimate party structures, recent events within the party had rendered his continued membership impossible.

He claimed that attempts by certain newcomers to unseat legally appointed party executives nationwide had exacerbated the situation and raised serious concerns about the party's survival.

He also voiced concern over the faction led by former Senate President David Mark's leadership conflict, including its use of power over party structures and election procedures while associated legal issues remained unresolved.

Ibraye cautioned that candidates chosen through procedures carried out under a disputed party leadership could face grave consequences as a result of the scandal.

“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.

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