IJAW LEADERSHIP CRISIS DEEPENS: Youths Back Igbadiowei as Elders Reject ‘Illegal’ INC Election
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA, BAYELSA — The leadership crisis rocking the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has taken a dramatic turn as a prominent youth body throws its weight behind the newly declared executive, despite strong opposition from traditional elders who have branded the election process “illegal.”
In a strongly worded congratulatory message, the National Association of Tarakiri Youths (NATY) Worldwide endorsed the emergence of High Chief Macdonald Igbadiowei as President of the INC, describing his leadership as “significant and reassuring” at a critical moment for the Ijaw Nation.
Signed by its President, Sen. Comr. Senator Mienye Kareboh, the group expressed confidence in the new executive’s ability to steer the affairs of the Ijaw people with “sincerity, commitment, and responsibility.” The youths also highlighted the inclusion of notable Tarakiri figures such as High Chief Kennedy Odiowei (Vice President Elect) and Barr. Marshall Abraham (National Assistant Secretary Elect) as a sign of strength, credibility, and competence within the new leadership.
The endorsement comes amid an escalating dispute following the controversial April 13 INC presidential election, which had already been rejected by the National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders.
Chairman of the elders’ body, Bubaraye Dakolo, had earlier declared that no valid election took place, insisting the process violated agreed directives to suspend the poll due to unresolved tensions and legal concerns.
Despite the directive, the INC Electoral Committee proceeded to announce results, declaring Igbadiowei winner with 317 votes—a move that has since triggered outrage and deep divisions across Ijaw communities.
While elders have dismissed the process as “unconstitutional and invalid,” NATY’s endorsement signals a growing split between youth groups and traditional authorities over the legitimacy of the new leadership.
In its statement, the youth body urged the new executive to place unity, equity, and justice at the forefront of its administration, stressing that “the unity of the Ijaw Nation must remain sacrosanct.”
Observers warn that the conflicting positions risk further fragmenting the Ijaw Nation if urgent reconciliation efforts are not undertaken. With a reconciliation committee expected to begin sittings soon, attention is now focused on whether dialogue can bridge the widening divide—or deepen an already volatile leadership crisis.
As the power struggle intensifies, one question continues to echo across the Niger Delta: Will unity prevail, or is the Ijaw Nation heading for a deeper internal rift?
