By Perekeme Odon
The President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Sr, has expressed grave concern over the disqualification of prominent aspirants from the forthcoming presidential election of the Ijaw National Congress, scheduled for 7 March 2027, warning that the development may undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Among those disqualified are Elder Timi Kaiser Ogoriba and Barrister Macdonald Igbadiwei, both regarded as longstanding contributors to the Ijaw cause. Their exclusion has prompted apprehension among stakeholders who fear possible bias and procedural irregularities in the lead up to the poll.
In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Deacon Tari Agai, Lokpobiri described the disqualification of respected figures who have dedicated themselves to the Ijaw struggle as deeply troubling. He questioned how individuals who have made significant sacrifices for the collective interest of the Ijaw people could have their eligibility constrained by registration technicalities.
He maintained that the rules governing Ijaw struggle platforms must reflect the moral values and shared history of the Ijaw people. According to him, any constitutional provision that casts doubt on the membership or standing of recognised icons of the struggle would be unacceptable to the wider community.
Lokpobiri further expressed concern that even the pioneer president of the INC and certain former members of its national executive are reportedly not recognised as members under the current constitutional provisions. He suggested that such anomalies point to deeper structural concerns that require urgent attention.
The IYC President has therefore called upon the leadership of the INC and its National Electoral Committee to urgently review the screening process to ensure that Elder Ogoriba and other affected aspirants are afforded the opportunity to contest.
Beyond the issue of disqualification, additional concerns have emerged across the Ijaw nation regarding the integrity of the delegate selection process. Some stakeholders allege that the nomination of delegates may have been disproportionately influenced, with claims that a single individual nominated as many as one hundred delegates. Questions have also been raised about the consultant overseeing the electronic voting process and the propriety of the outgoing president presiding over an interactive session with aspirants.
Six aspirants are currently in the race for the presidency of the apex Ijaw sociocultural body. They include Professor Erepamo Franklin Osaisai; Rear Admiral Geoffrey Yanga, retired; Nengi James; Ebi Wodu; Kaiser Timi Ogoriba; and Macdonald Igbadiwei.
In response to the growing concerns, the Chairman of the INC National Electoral Committee, retired Supreme Court Justice His Royal Highness Justice F F Tabai, has assured members of the Ijaw community that the election will be conducted in a credible and transparent manner.
As the 7 March election approaches, calls for clarity, fairness and institutional integrity continue to shape discourse within the Ijaw nation, underscoring the significance of the forthcoming leadership transition.
