The National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE-INC) has unanimously agreed to suspend the conduct of Ijaw National Congress (INC) elections, which were supposed to have been held on the 12th of March, 2026.
This was as the body directed the electoral committee of INC to stop all forms of electoral duties, as it revealed that it had suspended the Ijaw National Congress (INC) till further notice.
Recall that the elections couldn’t be held because some of the contestants went to court on the grounds of being dropped from taking part in the elections.
The N-CITRE came up with the decision over the weekend, after its meeting in Yenagoa, where it deliberated extensively on all the issues that led to the impasse in the INC elections, including petitions received.
N-CITRE, which is empowered by the INC constitution to resolve all disputes, has also set up a seven-man Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) to investigate all petitions.
’ That the elections into the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (NE-INC), which were rescheduled for Monday, 13th April, 2026, by the National Electoral Committee, Ijaw National Congress(N-ELECO-INC), have been temporarily suspended until N-CITRE directs further after all pending disputes have been settled.
Headed by HRM, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Chairman of Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, and Chairman of DRC, the body stated that N-CITRE-INC remains an appointing authority for N-ELECO-INC, adding that it also holds the constitutional power to resolve all disputes within the Congress
‘’ Consequently, N-ELECO-INC has been directed to stop performing any electoral functions until otherwise subsequently directed by N-CITRE..
“The N-CITRE has directed the DRC to resolve the lingering dispute and probe all petitions, including the petitions against the n-ELECO- INC.
” N-CITRE, which reminded all stakeholders of the principle of honesty that guides the Ijaws, therefore appealed for cooperation to achieve peace.” The resolution reads.
Other members are HRM, King Dr Brig-Gen Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (Rtd), Chief Dr Silas Eneyo (representing Eastern Zone), Dr Loveth Ige (representing Central Zone), HRM, Pere Luke Kalanama III, HRM, Dr Ekiomi Oweigbe John (Gbisa I) representing Western Zone, and Zonal Chairman of N-CITRE.
