ADC RIVERS STATE SUSPENDS IBRAYE AND TONTO DIKEH FROM RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR

Tonte Ibraye and Tonto Dikeh

Tonte Ibraye and Tonto Dikeh, the African Democratic Congress's candidates for governor of Rivers State, have been placed on administrative leave due to alleged anti-party activity and insubordination.

Ode Lawrence-Gbagire, the former State Deputy Chairman of the party, Eke Lheanyi-Eugene, Deinma Emmanuel, Luckyman Egila, the former Publicity Secretary, and Hamza Victor-Chukere, the former Legal Advisor, are all also on suspension.

The suspension occurs two days before the state assembly and governor elections scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2023.

The suspension follows recommendations made by the state disciplinary committee, which were also approved by the state working committee of the party, according to a statement jointly signed by the state chairman of the party, Leader Sampson, the deputy chairman, Alali Ikpoemugh, and the state secretary, Gabriel Patterson-Unyeowaji.

The statement also showed that Mr. Ibraye, the party's candidate for governor, had been involved in, "has created more division in the party, especially with his endorsement of a presidential candidate alongside his running mate and their "co-travellers."

In the statement, it was also claimed that the ADC's candidate for governor and his running partner had not demonstrated any dedication to their campaign for the upcoming governorship election and had actively worked against the senatorial district candidate in their respective regions.

They urged the general public to pay attention because the suspended people are not authorized to speak on behalf of the party.

When questioned, Eke Eugene, the Director General of the ADC candidate's campaign organization, stated, "Sampson lacks the power to suspend them following his earlier suspension from the party."