For a day with so much at stake, the atmosphere at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa was charged yet orderly, as delegates of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) gathered to elect a new President through a historic electronic voting process.
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Inside the conference hall, electoral officials carefully set up digital voting infrastructure, while journalists engaged in discussions and delegates patiently awaited their turn under canopies outside the venue.
After several hours of voting, with results transmitted in real time to a display monitor, delegates and stakeholders reconvened in the hall for the official declaration of results.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, HRM Justice Francis Fedode Tabai (Rtd), CFR, announced that the exercise was meticulously planned and successfully executed.
“We prepared for this election weeks ago, and the actual voting that determined the choice of the Ijaw people was concluded just moments ago,” he said.
Providing a breakdown of the exercise, Justice Tabai disclosed that out of 658 registered voters, 548 were accredited and all 548 cast their votes.
He then announced the presidential results:
Admiral Woyengidinikpete Geoffrey Yanga – 1 vote
Chief Nengi James – 4 votes
Chief T.K. Ogoriba – 11 votes
Engr. Ebipamowei Iwodigha – 53 votes
Prof. Franklin Erepamo Osaisai – 162 votes
Chief Macdonald Igbadiwe – 317 votes.
“With 317 votes, Chief Macdonald Igbadiwe is hereby declared the winner,” he concluded.
Acceptance Speech: INC Call for Unity and Renewed Struggle
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected INC President, Chief Macdonald Igbadiwe, expressed deep appreciation to the Electoral Committee and voters for conducting what he described as a credible, free, and transparent election.
“We are grateful for the work you have done. This victory brings good tidings to the entire Ijaw nation,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of all contestants, he emphasized unity above personal ambition:
“Ijaw nation is one, and its unity supersedes personal interest. Those who contested did not lose because they were not good candidates; perhaps it is the will of God. We are not better than them.”
He pledged inclusive leadership and collaboration across all arms of the organisation.
“I am not a President of one faction; I am the President of the entire Ijaw people. Together, we will build a new INC anchored on peace, unity, and development.”
The new President also reaffirmed commitment to the core ideals of the INC, particularly resource control and economic justice.
“We will pursue the dream of our founding fathers. While our resources sustain this country, our people must not be left with crumbs. We will intensify advocacy for marginal fields, oil blocks, and equitable benefits for our people.”
He further pledged to strengthen traditional institutions:
“Our traditional rulers will regain their pride of place, and together we will make the Ijaw nation stronger.”
Outgoing President Hails Peaceful Transition
Outgoing INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the election as the fulfilment of a long-held vision for a peaceful and democratic transition.
“It has always been my prayer that I would hand over to a President elected by the true will of the people. Today, that dream has come to pass,” he said.
He noted that prior legal disputes had been resolved, allowing for a smooth electoral process.
“All grievances before the election were addressed. Those who still feel aggrieved have constitutional channels for redress.”
On the adoption of electronic voting, Prof. Okaba commended the innovation and urged Nigeria to adopt similar systems.
“This process is credible and worthy of emulation. If Nigeria is serious about credible elections, it should borrow from this model,” he stated.
New National Secretary Backs Reform Agenda
Also speaking, the newly elected National Secretary of the INC, His Royalty, Dr. Anyanate Kio, Atabilaye Dia III, described his victory as a reflection of trust built through service.
“When you serve with integrity, honesty, and transparency, the people will always call you to higher responsibility,” he said.
He dedicated his victory to the Ijaw people and reaffirmed commitment to advancing the Ijaw cause beyond oil-related issues.
“We will recalibrate our approach to ensure broader development for the Ijaw nation, while sustaining the struggle for resource control.”
Dr. Kio also praised the electronic voting system:
“This is the second time the INC is using electronic voting, and it has eliminated legal disputes. It is seamless and credible. Nigeria can learn from this.”
A Model for Credible Elections
The peaceful and successful conduct of the INC election, powered by electronic voting and real-time result transmission, has been widely applauded as a benchmark for transparency.
Observers say the process signals a new direction not only for the Ijaw nation but also for Nigeria’s broader quest for credible, free, and fair elections.
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