Tobias Sylvester
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended its governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonte Ibraye, and his running mate, Tonto Dikeh.
Ibraye and Dikeh were suspended over their alleged involvement in anti-party activities and insubordination, barely two days before the governorship and state assembly elections slated for Saturday, March 18, 2023.
Other members of the party suspended are the former State Deputy Chairman of the party, Ode Lawrence-Gbagire; the former State Secretary, Eke Iheanyi-Eugene; former Youth leader, Deinma Emmanuel; the former Publicity Secretary, Luckyman Egila and former Legal Adviser, Hamza Victor-Chukere.
The was contained in a statement jointly signed on Thursday by the State Chairman of the party, Leader Sampson, the Deputy Chairman, Alali Ikpoemugh and the state Secretary, Gabriel Patterson-Unyeowaji.
ADC said the suspension follows recommendations by the state disciplinary committee which was also ratified by the state working committee of the party.
The statement also revealed that the governorship candidate of the party, Ibraye since his emergence, “has created more division in the party, especially with his endorsement of a presidential candidate alongside his running mate and their co-travellers.”
“The governorship candidate of ADC, Tonte Ibraye and his running mate, Tonto Dikeh, did not show any commitment to their campaign for the forthcoming governorship election, rather, they worked against the senatorial district candidate in their areas.
“By this suspension, we call on our members and members of the public to take note, as the suspended individuals do not have the right to speak for the party.”
When contacted, the Director General of the Campaign Organization of the ADC candidate, Eke Eugene said, “Sampson lacks the power to suspend them following his earlier suspension from the party.”
KanyiDaily had also reported that the Accord Party candidate for the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chukwudi Ogbonna was kidnapped by gunmen ahead of the election.
