Traditional rulers, academics, and activists urge the Ijaw National Congress to uphold its constitution to ensure fair elections and unity.
A coalition of prominent Ijaw leaders—including traditional rulers, academics, retired military officers, and activists—has called on the Ijaw National Congress (INC) leadership to strictly follow its constitution during the ongoing 2026 electoral process.
The call, made in a joint statement signed by over 30 stakeholders, including Chief Bukazi Etete, Elder Roland Ekperi, High Chief Amagbe Denzil Kentebe, and Dame Ann Kio Briggs, urges electoral authorities to ensure every step complies with constitutional provisions.
The coalition also implored traditional rulers and elder statesmen to act as “guardians of fairness and institutional balance” while urging Ijaws worldwide to remain peaceful, vigilant, and committed to constitutional governance.
“Our objective is not confrontation, but correction. Not factional victory, but institutional legitimacy,” the statement said, warning that undermining the INC Constitution could weaken the organization’s authority to represent the Ijaw people.
Notable signers include Prof. Mondy Sele Gold, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo Agary, Rear Admiral Godwin Ayankpele (Rtd), Maj. Gen. Paul Alaowei Toun (Rtd), and Hon. Iniruo Wills. They concluded: “Let the Constitution stand. Let the rules be respected. Let justice guide the process.”
The statement comes after the initial disqualification of some candidates for the March 7 INC elections, which was later reversed by the electoral committee led by Justice F.F. Tabai (Rtd). The reversal sparked tensions, prompting a Federal High Court injunction in Port Harcourt restraining the INC from conducting elections until the matter is resolved.
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