The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has concluded the screening of aspirants seeking to occupy various executive positions ahead of its national election scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026.
The screening exercise was conducted by the IPF National Electoral Committee (IPF N-ELECO) at the Africa 4 Peace Centre, Ugolo, near Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday.
Speaking after the exercise, Chairman of the IPF N-ELECO, Mr Abai Francis, alongside the Secretary, Elder Cletus Opukeme, said the screening was successful, noting that all aspirants who presented themselves met the stipulated requirements and were consequently cleared to participate in the election.
According to Mr Francis, the election, which will hold at the same venue, was earlier slated for February 13 but was rescheduled to January 30 to allow adequate time for preparations towards the inauguration of the new executives, as the tenure of the current IPF executive council expires on February 29.
He added that aspirants who were unable to attend the physical screening due to unforeseen circumstances would be contacted and given the opportunity to undergo the process through alternative online arrangements, subject to the payment of a stipulated financial penalty to cover additional costs incurred by the electoral committee.
“The screening exercise was successful. All aspirants who appeared and met the requirements have been cleared to contest for the various offices of their choice,” Francis said.
“For those who could not attend, arrangements have been made to enable them to be screened through alternative means, though with financial obligations attached to compensate for the additional costs to the committee.”
The IPF N-ELECO further urged all candidates to strictly adhere to the rules and guidelines governing the electoral process, assuring members of a free, fair and transparent election that will usher in competent leaders to steer the affairs of the forum.
