The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has announced April 13 as the new date for its rescheduled national elections following an internal review of preparations.
The decision was reached during an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and later communicated to the public.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba, members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), the National Representative Committee (NRC), and the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE).
Also present were zonal and chapter executives, along with former leaders of the organisation.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, members assessed the readiness of the Electoral Committee (ELECO) and expressed satisfaction with its level of preparedness.
The NEC noted that ELECO had adequately addressed concerns raised during a stakeholders’ meeting convened earlier by the Governor of Bayelsa State.
Based on this progress, the council unanimously endorsed the committee’s report and approved April 13 as the official date for the elections.
The communiqué further highlighted that both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials had been sufficiently prepared, boosting confidence in a smooth electoral process.
The council also reaffirmed the independence of the Electoral Committee, stressing that it should operate without interference from other organs of the congress, except for logistical support where necessary.
It clarified that CITRE, like the Board of Trustees, serves in an advisory capacity and is limited to functions such as screening candidates and addressing disputes that may arise during the election process.
While acknowledging the role of advisory bodies, the NEC stated that it retains the authority to consider and implement recommendations in the best interest of the organisation.
The INC urged members of the public to disregard any conflicting information or directives that do not align with the official position of the Electoral Committee and the NEC.
The upcoming election is expected to shape the leadership direction of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation.
