The National Electoral Committee (N-ELECO) of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), chaired by HRM Justice F. F. Tabai has released the official timetable for the 2026 National Delegate Election, fixing Saturday, March 7, 2026, as the date for the keenly anticipated poll.
The timetable, made public over the weekend, provides a detailed sequence of activities designed to ensure a transparent, fair, credible, and well-organized process that will shape the future leadership and direction of the Ijaw Nation.
Announcing the schedule, HRM Justice F. F. Tabai (Chairman), Dr. Olobo Choice Jamaica (Secretary), and Amaopusenibo Shedrack Fubara (Chairman, Planning & Publicity Sub-Committee) stated that the process begins with the sale and collection of nomination forms from Monday, January 12, 2026, to Monday, January 26, 2026.
Aspirants’ campaign period is scheduled to run from January 12 to Friday, March 6, 2026, while completed nomination forms must be submitted starting Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The National Convention Delegate List must be submitted to Ijaw House, Yenagoa, on Saturday, February 14, 2026. A window for claims and objections regarding the delegate list will open from Monday, February 16, to Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The final Delegate List will be published on Thursday, February 20, and Friday, February 21, 2026, at Ijaw House, while screening of candidates is also scheduled for February 19 to 21, 2026, at the same venue.
A mandatory test run of the Electronic Voting (E-Voting) System to be used for the election is set for Tuesday, March 3, and Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
The timetable further includes two key events: a Non-Elective National Convention and Presentation of Manifestos by cleared candidates, scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., followed by Election Day and the announcement of results on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ijaw House, Yenagoa.
In an official statement, INC-N ELECO reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to conducting the entire electoral process with the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity.
The Committee urged all INC members, aspirants, and stakeholders to participate actively, maintain decorum throughout the exercise, and uphold the core values of unity, integrity, and progress that have always defined the Ijaw Nation.
