ADC Suspends Guber Candidates, Tonte Ibraye, Tonto Dikeh

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has announced the suspension of its Governorship candidate, Tonte Ibraye and his running mate, Tonto Dikeh.

The party accused the duo of involvement in anti-party activities and insubordination.

ADC is witnessing the shakeup barely two days before the Governorship and state assembly elections slated for Saturday, 18 March 2023, Naija News reports.

Also suspended is 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.

These were confirmed in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of the ADC, Leader Sampson, the Deputy Chairman, Alali Ikpoemugh and the state Secretary, Gabriel Patterson-Unyeowaji.

Naija News learnt that the suspension of the fellows follows recommendations by the state disciplinary committee, which the state working committee of the party also ratified.

The statement also revealed that the party’s governorship candidate, 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.”

Ibraye and Dikeh also allegedly did not show any commitment to their campaign for the forthcoming governorship election, alleging that they worked against the senatorial district candidate in their areas. They called on public members to take note, as the suspended individuals do not have the right to speak for the party.

However, when contacted, the Director General of the Campaign Organization of the ADC candidate, Eke Eugene, told Daily Post saying: “Sampson lacks the power to suspend them following his earlier suspension from the party.”