“No Degree, No Contest; Above 45, No Chance — IYC Rules Stir Class and Age War”
By Passman Akpos
The Ijaw Youth Council has released comprehensive guidelines for the conduct of its 2026 National Executive Council (NEC) elections, outlining zoning arrangements, eligibility criteria, and strict rules aimed at ensuring transparency, discipline, and credibility in the electoral process.
The guidelines, obtained by Tarakirivoice,issued by the National Electoral Committee (ELECO), set the framework for electing key national officers including President, Deputy President, National Secretary, Spokesman, Treasurer, and others.Zoning Structure Shapes Power DistributionIn a move to maintain balance across the Ijaw nation, the council reaffirmed a zoning formula:Western Zone will produce the President, Financial Secretary, and Director of Mobilization.Eastern Zone will contest for Deputy President, Treasurer, and Spokesman.
Central Zone is allocated National Secretary, Legal Adviser, and Woman Leader positions.Abuja Chapter gets the Assistant National Secretary slot.
Lagos Chapter will produce the Deputy Director of Mobilization.
The zoning arrangement is expected to intensify political calculations within the council as aspirants align with their respective zones.
Tough Eligibility Criteria Introduced
The ELECO guidelines impose strict conditions on aspirants, including:
Mandatory proof of at least three years of financial membership.
Age limit set between 18 and 45 years.
Minimum educational qualifications, with top offices requiring at least a Bachelor’s degree or HND.
Legal Adviser must be a practicing lawyer with verifiable court records.
Aspirants must have prior leadership experience within the council.
Compulsory resignation for those holding political or executive positions by April 29, 2026.Candidates are also required to be of sound mental health, free from substance abuse, and must not have criminal or bankruptcy records.
Delegate System and Voting Process
The election will be conducted through a delegate system, with a total of 117 accredited voters drawn from zones, chapters, and the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS).
Voting will follow an open-secret ballot system, with delegates voting sequentially by zone and chapter under strict supervision.
Zero Tolerance for Violence, Fraud
In a strong warning, ELECO stated that:Any aspirant presenting fake credentials will be disqualified
Violence, intimidation, or criminal conduct by candidates or supporters will lead to disqualification and possible prosecution.
All candidates must sign a peace accord and commit to non-violence.
Presidential candidates are additionally required to sign an undertaking not to create parallel leadership structures if they lose.
Debate, Screening, and Disqualification Rules
Only presidential aspirants will participate in a mandatory debate, while all candidates must present manifestos. Failure to attend these sessions or screening exercises will result in automatic disqualification.
Election Day and Transparency Measures
MThe council said only accredited participants—including delegates, candidates, agents, observers, and media—will be allowed into the election venue.
To boost transparency, the entire voting process will be broadcast live nationwide, with viewing screens provided for supporters outside the venue.
Leadership Speaks
ELECO Chairman, Dr. Charles Ikimi, and Secretary, Comr. Micah A. Micah, emphasized that the guidelines are designed to safeguard the integrity of the council and promote credible leadership.
Political observers say the detailed framework signals a high-stakes contest ahead, as Ijaw youths across Nigeria and the diaspora prepare for what could be one of the most competitive elections in the council’s history.
