Ijaw leaders advocate compliance to INC constitution to resolve election crisis

A coalition of prominent Ijaws, including traditional rulers, academics, retired military officers, and activists on Friday callee for the Ijaw National Congress (INC) leadership to uphold the supremacy of its constitution during ongoing electoral processes.

The coalition is drawn from the Niger Delta, Nigeria, and the diaspora, 

The expressed the position in a joint statement signed by over 30 stakeholders – led by Chief Bukazi Etete, Elder Roland Ekperi, High Chief Amagbe Denzil Kentebe, and Dame Ann Kio Briggs amongst others

The group urged electoral authorities to ensure "every procedural step complies strictly with constitutional provisions." 

They also implored traditional rulers and elder statesmen to act as "guardians of fairness, wisdom, and institutional balance," while calling on Ijaws worldwide to remain "peaceful, vigilant, and unwavering" in support of constitutional governance.

The group emphasized that strong nations resolve disagreements through "principled institutions," affirming their commitment to transparent elections, INC unity, and the rights of all qualified candidates. 

"Our objective is not confrontation, but correction. Not factional victory, but institutional legitimacy," the group stated.

They however warned that weakening the INC Constitution could diminish the organization's authority to represent the Ijaw people.

Notable signers include Prof. Mondy Sele Gold, Dr. Mrs. Timiebi Koripamo Agary, Rear Admiral Godwin Ayankpele (Rtd), Maj. Gen. Paul Alaowei Toun (Rtd), and Hon. Iniruo Wills. The group concluded: "Let the Constitution stand. Let the rules be respected. Let justice guide the process."

It will be recalled that development is sequel to the disqualification of some candidates for various positions for the 2026 elections slated for March 7 by the electoral committee led by Justis F.F. Tabai (Rtd).

The electoral committee later reversed it's earlier exclusion of disqualified candidates.

The reversal sparked tensions within the INC, the leading pan-Ijaw socio-cultural organization advocating for the rights of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

Subsequently a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on March 6 issued an injunction restraining the INC from conducting the election pending the determination of a suit 

by aggrieved parties.