The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has announced March 2026 for the conduct of its national elections, releasing a comprehensive timetable for the exercise.
The announcement was made by the INC National 2026 Electoral Committee (N-ELECO) in a press statement dated January 10, 2026, jointly signed by the Chairman, HRM Justice F. F. Tabai; the Secretary, Dr. Olobo Choice Jamaica; and the Chairman, Planning and Publicity Sub-Committee, Amaopusenibo Shedrack Fubara.
According to the committee, the elections are aimed at shaping the future leadership and direction of the Ijaw Nation, as it called on Ijaw sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to actively participate in the process.
A breakdown of the timetable shows that the collection of nomination forms will commence on January 12 and end on January 26, 2026, while campaigns will run from January 12 to March 6, 2026. Aspirants are expected to submit completed nomination forms on or before February 10, 2026.
The submission of national convention delegates’ lists is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa. Claims and objections will be entertained between February 16 and 18, with the final delegates’ list to be published from February 20 to 21, 2026, also at Ijaw House.
Screening of candidates will take place from February 19 to 21, 2026, while a test run of the INC e-voting system has been fixed for March 3 and 4, 2026.
The election proper is slated for March 7, 2026, at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa. Ahead of the polls, a non-elective convention featuring the presentation of manifestos by cleared candidates will hold on March 6, 2026, at 4:00 pm in Yenagoa. Announcement of results will follow on election day.
The INC N-ELECO reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, fair and credible electoral process, urging members to uphold unity, integrity and the collective interest of the Ijaw Nation throughout the exercise.
