INC 2026: High Chief MacDonald E. Igbadiwei Reaffirms Commitment as ELECO Clears Two More Aspirants

High Chief MacDonald E. Igbadiwei (Esq.) has reaffirmed his commitment to the race for the presidency of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following his clearance by the Electoral Committee ahead of the March 7, 2026 election.

The Electoral Committee (ELECO) of the INC announced the clearance of two additional aspirants after reviewing earlier screening decisions that had disqualified some candidates from contesting the forthcoming National Executive Council (NEC) election.

The committee explained that the decision followed appeals from several Ijaw stakeholders, including the Congress for Ijaw Ethnic Nationality for Rights and Justice, who urged the committee to reconsider the list of disqualified aspirants in the interest of unity, peace and inclusiveness within the Ijaw nation.

According to the committee, the initial screening results released on February 27, 2026 generated reactions from stakeholders who requested that the process be reviewed to ensure fairness and maintain solidarity among the Ijaw people.

In response, ELECO convened a meeting with all previously non-cleared aspirants on March 4, 2026 at Ijaw House, where the affected aspirants were given the opportunity to clarify issues and present additional information that may not have been fully considered during the initial screening exercise.

Following the interactive session and subsequent deliberations, the committee resolved to apply the principle of “substantial compliance” alongside “strict compliance” in determining the eligibility of aspirants.

Based on the review, the committee cleared High Chief MacDonald E. Igbadiwei (Esq.) and Elder Timi Kaiser-Wilhelm Ogoriba to participate in the presidential contest.

With the new development, six aspirants have now been cleared to contest the INC presidential election. They include: Chief Nengi Jamieson James (OON), Engr. Ebipamowei Wodu, Prof. Franklin Erepamo Osaisia, Elder Timi Kaiser-Wilhelm Ogoriba, High Chief MacDonald E. Igbadiwei (Esq.), Rear Admiral Woyenidinikpee Geoffrey Yanga (Rtd)

ELECO also urged all cleared candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in the spirit of unity ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ijaw House.

High Chief MacDonald E. Igbadiwei (Esq.) following his commitment, noted that the time frame for the election should be shifted by a week to ensure his proper preparations with his delegates.