The upcoming national elections of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), set for March 7, 2026, are facing scrutiny over allegations of rigging and lack of transparency. Stakeholders have reported concerns that the delegate selection process has been compromised, with claims that a single individual may have nominated as many as 100 delegates. Additionally, there are doubts surrounding the electronic voting consultant and the role of the outgoing president in facilitating a session with potential candidates, raising alarms about the integrity of the electoral process.

The INC is a prominent socio-cultural organization representing the Ijaw people, and its elections are crucial for the community’s representation and governance. Six individuals are in contention for the presidency, including notable figures such as Professor Erepamo Franklin Osaisai and Rear Admiral Geoffrey Yanga (retd), each bringing different backgrounds and expertise to the race. The involvement of these aspirants highlights the significance of the elections, not only for the INC but also for the broader Ijaw community, which looks to its leaders for guidance on critical issues.

In response to these concerns, HRH Justice F. F. Tabai (retd), the Chairman of the INC National Electoral Committee, has publicly assured that the electoral process will be fair and credible. This statement is an effort to quell fears among Ijaw stakeholders and to restore confidence in the electoral framework. As the elections approach, the emphasis on transparency and accountability could play a decisive role in the community's acceptance of the outcome, which will significantly impact future governance and representation within the Ijaw nation.