INC Reaffirms April 13 Date for National Elections, Warns Against Interference

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed that its rescheduled national elections will hold on April 13, 2026, declaring its Electoral Committee (ELECO) fully prepared and warning against any action or directive capable of undermining the process.

The resolution was reached during an expanded meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held on April 9, 2026, at the INC National Headquarters, Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The meeting was convened to review the level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC said it unanimously endorsed the report presented by ELECO, expressing satisfaction with the committee’s readiness and confirming that the election would proceed as scheduled.

According to the communiqué, the council “endorsed the report of the ELECO… that the rescheduled INC National elections should hold on the 13th of April, 2026 as planned.”

The NEC further noted that issues raised during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Bayelsa State Government in March had been adequately addressed.

The council stressed the need to safeguard the independence of ELECO, directing that the committee be allowed to discharge its duties without interference from other organs of the Congress.

It stated that ELECO is to “carry out its assignment without interference from other organs of Congress, except to receive logistics support from the NEC.”

The NEC also expressed confidence in the committee’s preparations, particularly in the production and handling of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

In what appeared to be a response to internal governance concerns, the NEC clarified the constitutional role of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), describing it as an advisory body in accordance with Article 14(D) of the INC 2019 Constitution.

The council noted that CITRE’s role in election-related matters is limited to clearing nominees and resolving disputes arising from the electoral process, similar to the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees (BOT).

However, the NEC reaffirmed its openness to constructive contributions from CITRE, the BOT and other organs, provided such advice aligns with the overall interest and unity of the Congress.

The NEC urged members of the public and stakeholders to disregard any information or directive inconsistent with ELECO’s official position.

“The general public is therefore advised to discountenance any information or directive that runs contrary to the position of the ELECO,” the communiqué stated.

The meeting was attended by key leaders across the INC structure, including NEC members, BOT officials, CITRE leaders, National Representative Committee (NRC) members, zonal executives and chapter representatives.

Those present included INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; National Secretary, Engr. Ebiowei Wodu; Acting Chairman of CITRE (East), HRH (Gen. Rt.) B.A. Fipinimama; ELECO Chairman, HRM (Justice) Dr. F. F. Tabai; and ELECO Vice Chairman, HRM Seiyifa Koroye.

Also in attendance were ELECO Secretary, Dr. Otobo Choice Jamaica; former INC President, Prof. A.W. Obianime; National Legal Adviser, Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe; National Organising Secretary, Onengiyeofori Fenibo; and Leader of the NRC, HRH (Dr.) Anyanate Kio.

Others included CITRE leader, HRH Okoko Stample Esau (PhD); BOT Vice Chairman, Chief M. Tiemo; BOT Secretary, Barr. Fidelis Agbiki; National Treasurer, High Chief Philip B. Agu; National Women Leader, Alali R. Danagogo; and Vice President, Rose Obuoforibo.

Representatives from various chapters and zones were also present, including Barr. Agha Toru-Ibe (Benin City Secretary), Ephraim Gogo (Benin City Chairman), Tonye Harry (Lagos Chairman), A. Elayelagha (Lagos Secretary), Daniel Ebijor Tonibor (Abuja Chairman), Tete K. Friday (Abuja Assistant Secretary), Ajele Ayokeji Johnson (Akure Chairman), John Ebiofini (Akure Secretary), and Chief Bare Etolor (Chairman, Ijaw Elders Forum).

Others were HRH Akcheseinimie Micah Frank (BOT member), Princess Ebiseni Adesola Joyce (NRC Deputy Leader), Elder Gabriel Benamiensia (NRC Clerk), Karibo Lawrence (Eastern Zone Vice Chairman), God’swill Seke (Central Zone Secretary), Mrs. Peremo Isenali Opiali (National Welfare Secretary), and King Koma A. Eteko (CITRE Deputy Chairman).

Observers say the NEC’s resolution is a strategic effort to consolidate internal authority and prevent division ahead of the elections.

By reaffirming ELECO’s independence and clearly defining the constitutional roles of key organs, the INC leadership appears determined to ensure a credible, transparent and conflict-free electoral process.

With April 13 now firmly confirmed, attention is expected to shift to the conduct of the polls and the Congress’ ability to sustain unity in the post-election period.