BREAKING: Confusion, Outrage as INC Declares Election Winner Despite Prior Suspension by Traditional Rulers
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA, BAYELSA — Fresh controversy has erupted within the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the announcement of results from a disputed presidential election, allegedly conducted at Ijaw House, even as traditional rulers had earlier ordered an indefinite suspension of the process.
The INC Electoral Committee on Monday released what it described as the final results of the presidential poll:
High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei — 317 votes
Prof. Franklin Osaisai — 162 votes
Engr. Ebipamowei Wodu — 53 votes
Chief T.K. Ogoriba — 11 votes
Chief Nengi James — 4 votes
Rear Admiral Woyenidikpete Geoffrey Yenga — 1 vote
With the tally, High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei was declared winner of the election.
However, the announcement has immediately sparked widespread disbelief, anger, and confusion, with many stakeholders questioning the legitimacy of the exercise.
Election or Illegality? Contradictions Rock Process
The declaration comes just days after the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE) ordered a total suspension of the election, citing unresolved disputes, legal battles, and threats to credibility.
The directive, issued after a crucial April 9 meeting in Yenagoa and signed by King Bubaraye Dakolo, instructed the INC Electoral Committee to halt all election activities indefinitely.
This has now raised a critical question across the Ijaw nation:
Who authorized the election that produced these results?
Public Reactions: “Fake Result” or Power Play?
Almost immediately after the results surfaced, reactions flooded in from observers and stakeholders:
Some dismissed the outcome as “fake”, insisting no valid election could have taken place under suspension.
Others alleged vote-buying, mockingly referring to “dollar at hand, vote for ground.”
A section of the public expressed shock, claiming they believed the process had been completely halted.
The conflicting narratives have deepened suspicion that parallel power structures may now be operating within the INC.
Ogoriba’s Withdrawal Raises Stakes
Adding to the crisis, one of the candidates, Chief T.K. Ogoriba, had already withdrawn from the race, declaring the election illegitimate and pledging loyalty to traditional authority.
His stance aligned with CITRE’s earlier position that any election conducted without its approval would be considered null and void.
Traditional Authority vs Political Structure
The unfolding drama underscores a growing power struggle between:
The INC’s political leadership and electoral committee
Traditional rulers asserting constitutional and cultural authority
Observers warn that this clash could fracture the unity of the Ijaw nation if not urgently resolved.
What Happens Next?
With a winner declared under disputed circumstances, several outcomes now loom:
Possible rejection of the results by traditional rulers
Legal battles and further petitions
Emergence of parallel leadership claims
Intensification of internal divisions within the INC
For now, the situation remains volatile, with many stakeholders calling for calm and clarity.
One question continues to dominate conversations across the Niger Delta:
Is High Chief Igbadiwei truly the new INC President — or is this the beginning of a deeper institutional crisis?
Developing Story…
