Ijaw Traditional Rulers Suspend National Congress Elections Indefinitely Amid Escalating Petition Dispute

Traditional rulers halt INC polls scheduled for April 13, 2026. A seven-man committee led by King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV begins probe into election petitions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 3:25 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Indefinite Suspension of the Ijaw National Congress Polls

The National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE-INC) has officially suspended the Ijaw National Congress (INC) elections indefinitely. This decision follows a meeting in Yenagoa where traditional leaders deliberated on a mounting impasse that has threatened the stability of the congress. The move effectively cancels the previously rescheduled election date of Monday, April 13, 2026, and places all electoral activities on hold until further notice from the traditional governing body.

Establishment of a Judicial Oversight Committee

In a direct effort to address the root causes of the electoral deadlock, N-CITRE has inaugurated a seven-man Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC). This committee is tasked with a comprehensive probe into various petitions received by the body, including specific grievances directed against the National Electoral Committee (N-ELECO-INC). By invoking constitutional powers granted to the traditional rulers as the appointing authority, the leadership aims to provide a final resolution to the internal disputes that have rendered the election schedule infeasible.

The Role of Regional Mediation and Governor Diri

The suspension comes despite previous intervention efforts by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. On March 13, Governor Diri attempted to broker peace among the various presidential candidates, who initially agreed to a cessation of hostilities to allow the democratic process to move forward. However, the volume of lingering petitions and unresolved procedural complaints eventually overwhelmed that agreement, necessitating a more formal intervention from the Ijaw elders and traditional monarchs.