“Ijaw Power Struggle: Candidates Suddenly Withdraw Lawsuits After Meeting With Douye Diri”
By Passman Akpos
The Governor of Douye Diri has commended key stakeholders and contestants in the leadership contest of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) for taking steps to restore unity and ensure a peaceful transition ahead of the rescheduled election.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at Government House in Yenagoa, the governor—represented by his deputy, Peter Akpe—praised the six presidential candidates for agreeing to withdraw all pending court cases connected to the disputed INC presidential election.
The meeting, which brought together elders, traditional rulers and electoral officials, was convened to resolve tensions that had earlier threatened to derail the leadership transition within the pan-Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Governor Diri also expressed appreciation to several influential institutions for their roles in de-escalating the crisis. Among them were the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) led by Godknows Boladei Igali, and members of the INC National Electoral Committee.
According to the governor, their interventions helped calm tensions and paved the way for dialogue among the contestants.
One of the candidates, Macdonald Igbadiwei, who had earlier obtained a court injunction halting the election process, confirmed that the aspirants had collectively agreed to discontinue all legal battles in the interest of peace.
He pledged that the candidates were now committed to a transparent and peaceful process that would produce the next president of the INC.
Meanwhile, the current president of the congress, Benjamin Okaba, said the reconciliation agreement would enable the organization to utilize the 30-day window approved by its convention to resolve outstanding issues and conduct the election.
The crucial meeting was attended by several traditional rulers, including Bubaraye Dakolo, alongside members of the INC Electoral Committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Francis Tabai.
Withdrawal Shakes Publicity Secretary Race
In a related development, one of the aspirants for the position of National Publicity Secretary, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, formally announced his withdrawal from the rescheduled 2026 INC election.
In an open letter addressed to the Electoral Committee, elders, delegates and supporters, Ikuli said his decision was influenced by the need to focus on his responsibilities as a media aide to Governor Diri and avoid any conflict of roles.
He explained that although he had hoped to contribute to the struggle for the emancipation and political advancement of the Ijaw people through the position, recent developments in the electoral process compelled him to step aside.
Ikuli also urged stakeholders to ignore any planned protests or legal actions connected to his disqualification, stating that he was committed to supporting peace and reconciliation within the organization.
He further commended the efforts of CITRE and Governor Diri for helping restore calm within the INC, describing their roles as crucial in rebuilding confidence among members of the Ijaw nation.
Despite withdrawing from the race, Ikuli maintained that his commitment to the development and liberation of the Ijaw people remains unwavering.
The developments are seen by observers as a major step toward resolving the crisis that had earlier stalled the INC leadership election and sparked concerns among stakeholders across the Niger Delta.
