Tonte Ibraye and Tonto Dikeh, the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) candidates for governor in Rivers State, have been suspended, according to the ADC.
The group was charged with insubordination and engaging in anti-party activities.
ADC is experiencing the upheaval just two days before the state assembly and governor elections scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2023.
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.
WITHIN NIGERIA 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.”