Court Stops INC National Election as Leadership Confirms Ongoing Negotiations

-


Court Stops INC National Election as Leadership Confirms Ongoing Negotiations

By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi

A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has issued an interim injunction restraining the conduct of the 2026 national elections of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), introducing a new twist to the leadership process within the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people.

The order was delivered on Friday, March 6, 2026, by Hon. Justice S. H. Aprioku of the High Court of Rivers State, Port Harcourt Judicial Division.

The court ruling followed a suit filed by High Chief (Barr.) Macdonald Igbadiwei, who approached the court to challenge aspects of the electoral process of the organization.

Details of the Court Case

The suit, marked PHC/719/CS/2026, lists several individuals and the Ijaw National Congress as defendants.

Those named in the suit include:

  • HRM Justice F. F. Tabai (Rtd)

  • HRM King Dr. Seiyefa Koroye

  • Dr. Olobo Choice Jamaica

  • Mrs. Yoropatie Victoria Odogbo

  • High Chief (Hon.) Joel Wodubamo Aigbekumo

  • Mrs. Immaculata Love Amaseimogha

  • Chief Dr. Ebizimoh Okolo

  • Dr. Major Itemowei

  • Chief Dr. Eniatorudabo A. Harrison

  • Chief Godwin Efang

  • Amaopusienibo Shedrack Fubara

The individuals listed were sued personally and in their capacities as the Chairman and members of the Ijaw National Congress Electoral Committee for the 2026 national elections.

The Ijaw National Congress itself was also listed as the 12th defendant in the matter.

Court’s Interim Injunction

After hearing arguments from counsel representing the parties, the court granted an interim order of injunction restraining the defendants from conducting the national elections of the Ijaw National Congress scheduled for March 7, 2026, or any other date pending the determination of the matter.

The court specifically ordered that the defendants, their agents, servants, or anyone acting on their behalf should not proceed with the conduct of the election until the issues raised in the suit are resolved.

Directive for Internal Resolution

In addition to the injunction, the court directed that the dispute be referred to the Internal Dispute Resolution Committee of the Ijaw National Congress.

The committee has been given seven days to attempt to resolve the issues internally, an approach aimed at encouraging reconciliation within the organization.

The court further ruled that:

  • If the parties resolve the dispute internally, the court may abridge the time for hearing.

  • If the matter remains unresolved, the case will proceed in court and all pending applications will be heard on March 18, 2026.

INC Leadership Speaks

Reacting to the development, the President of the Ijaw National Congress confirmed that negotiations are ongoing among stakeholders in an effort to resolve the issues surrounding the election process.

According to sources within the organization, discussions are currently underway with the aim of finding a peaceful and acceptable resolution that will preserve unity within the congress.

A Critical Moment for the INC

The latest development has placed the leadership process of the Ijaw National Congress at a critical crossroads.

As the foremost socio-cultural organization representing the interests of the Ijaw ethnic nationality across the Niger Delta, the INC plays a vital role in advocating for regional development, environmental justice, and the protection of the political interests of the Ijaw people.

Consequently, the outcome of the current dispute is expected to attract significant attention from stakeholders across the Niger Delta region.

What Happens Next

With negotiations ongoing and the court’s interim order in place, attention now turns to the Internal Dispute Resolution Committee, which has been tasked with mediating the disagreement within seven days.

If the parties fail to reach an agreement through internal mechanisms, the matter will return to the High Court in Port Harcourt on March 18, 2026, where the legal process will continue.

For now, the leadership contest within the Ijaw National Congress remains in suspense as both legal proceedings and internal consultations continue simultaneously.

Source: Rivers State High Court Document

Tags

Ijaw National Congress, INC Election, Niger Delta Politics, Rivers State High Court, INC Leadership Crisis, Port Harcourt Court Order


Comments

Post a Comment

đź’ĄTrending

Tragedy in Ogwashi-Uku: Final Year Ijaw Student Allegedly Killed by Vigilante.

-
Image
Tragedy in Ogwashi-Uku: Final Year Ijaw Student Allegedly Killed by Vigilante By Prince Agbedeyi O.D. Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State – April 30, 2025 Grief and outrage have gripped the Ijaw community following the alleged accidental killing of Peter Oyabrade, a final year student of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), by a local vigilante operative. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, April 30th, in the Uku-Oji area of Ogwashi-Uku. According to eyewitness accounts, Oyabrade was in his room preparing for his final examinations when he was mistakenly shot by a member of the local vigilante group. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, but community members have described it as a tragic case of accidental discharge. Peter Oyabrade, described by friends and classmates as a promising and peaceful young man, was set to complete his studies in the coming weeks. His untimely death has sparked sorrow throughou...
Read more

The Reign and Legacy of His Royal Majesty Ubula, Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom

-
Image
The Reign and Legacy of His Royal Majesty  Oyingha Ubula, Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom  By Prince Agbedeyi O. D. Introduction:  Egbema Kingdom, an Ijaw-speaking coastal domain straddling parts of Delta and Edo States in Nigeria, is steeped in rich traditions and historical continuity. At the helm of its traditional leadership is the Agadagba — a sacred title bestowed on its monarch. Among the distinguished rulers of this kingdom stands HRM  Oyingha Ubula , Bini Pere II whose reign marked a transformative chapter in Egbema history. Early Life and Ascension: Ubula was born into the royal lineage of Egbema from the Ajakurama ruling house, raised amidst the customs and duties befitting a future king. His ascension to the throne followed the passing of his predecessor and was guided by the oracles, kingmakers, and the traditions of the Egbema people. Reign and Achievements: During his reign, Ubula championed the preservation of Ijaw cultural heritage and promote...
Read more

Video: Gallery Security Services Marks 13 Years of Excellence in Security Innovation and Community Protection

-
Image
Gallery Security Services Marks 13 Years of Excellence in Security Innovation and Community Protection đź“…  Published November 7, 2025 ✍️  By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi In a world where safety and vigilance define the backbone of national growth, Gallery Security Services stands tall, celebrating an inspiring 13 years of exceptional service, professionalism, and commitment to community protection . The grand anniversary tagged “13 Years of Excellence in Security Services” is slated for November 21, 2025 , at God’s Own City, Agadagba Obon, Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State , and promises to be a momentous gathering of distinguished personalities, patriotic leaders, and security experts across Nigeria. A Decade and Beyond of Security Leadership From humble beginnings to a formidable national brand, Gallery Security Services has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and integrity in its operations. Over the years, the organization has become a reliable...
Read more