Frontline Candidate for National Publicity Secretary of the
Ijaw National Congress (INC), Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has honourably withdrawn from the rescheduled INC elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday 14th March, 2026, Hon. Ikuli said, “I write to formally notify the Electoral Committee (ELECO), Elders, Leaders, Delegates, my outstanding Supporters, and Well-wishers about my withdrawal from the suspended INC 2026 election”.
“I was desirous to serve the Ijaw Nation as the National Publicity Secretary, considering the fact that Nigeria is at a defining moment, and Ijaw Nation is facing existential threats. I felt that my prowess as a trained journalist and Defence and Security Expert may be of utmost importance now, more than ever.”
“For over two decades, I have committed my intellectual prowess to the struggle for the emancipation cum liberation of Ijaw Nation from economic and political servitude. I have committed so much personal fortune on research. I have published so many books on the Ijaw and Niger Delta question as my own intellectual contribution. I have placed so much premium on intellectual struggle because I know as a matter of fact that the educated mind can not be oppressed, suppressed, repressed, subjugated or marginalized. The educated mind can never be a “minority”.
“It is on good records that throughout my service in Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), i never went to any public or private office in the name of Ijaw struggle, to collect a dime. I can also make bold to say that at my age, I have never been involved or associated with any criminal record. No one can accuse me of betraying or stealing a dime anywhere.”
“I live a deliberate life of service to my great people, and nothing can actually discourage or stop me from rendering selfless services to the Ijaw Nation.”
“However, considering the events that played out during the countdown to the earlier scheduled election, and the need to fully concentrate on my official assignment as media aide to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State to avoid clash of roles, I have decided to withdraw from everything that have direct connection with the 2026 INC National election.”
“It is also pertinent to notify the Electoral Committee, Elders, Leaders, Delegates, my Supporters, and well wishers to discountenance any information that has to do with any form of protestation, including legal suits challenging my unlawful disqualification or whatsoever.”
“I wish to use this medium to commend the immeasurable sacrifices of the most revered Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), whose intervention has helped to de-escalate tension resulting from the suspended process. In the same vein, I commend and also appreciate my principal, His Excellency, Gov. Douye Diri, the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, for his fatherly role that has helped to restore peace and confidence of our great people in this INC election. His deliberate non-interference has created a level playing ground for all candidates to test their popularity.”
“In the spirit of true reconciliation and solidarity with the ongoing process, I wish to apologize to everyone I have offended directly or indirectly in the course of this INC election.”
“Moving forward, I humbly appeal to CITRE to probe the disqualification of aspirants particularly the case of High Chief Kalaiti Jepthath, who was a member of the INC Constitution Drafting Committee. He also served as National Treasurer in the immediate past National Executive Council of INC and he is presently, a serving member of National Representative Council (NRC) of the INC.”
“It is important to probe the delegate selection process. They should also jettison the proposed E-Voting in order to guarantee the conduct of a free, fair, and credible election that will be accepted by both winners and losers.”
“I wish to leverage on the same token to thank all my leaders, supporters especially Social Media family, and delegates for the great confidence that they reposed on me. I can make bold to say that in life, I have never received the kind of love, acceptance, solidarity and support that I enjoyed in this process/project. It was truly massive.”
“I say a very big thank you to the very outstanding TEAM OGORIBA and my leader, Elder T.K Ogoriba the leading Candidate for the Office of INC President. Words can not express my unquantifiable gratitude. I lack words to appreciate the undiluted love and support that Ogbia and Engenni kingdoms, my paternal and maternal kingdoms showed me.”
“This appreciation will be incomplete without the mention of Her Excellency, Mrs. Ethel Aina Diette-Spiff (Nee Potts-Johnson), the pioneer First Lady of Old Rivers State. Her fervent prayers, phone calls, messages and even financial support can not be measured.”
“In masquerade display/dance, the biggest masquerades always come last because of their significance that always mark the climax of event. Here, I thank, commend and also celebrate Engr. Olice Kemenanabo FNSE, FNIEEE, Very Distinguished Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo and Mr. Joseph Waribagha for their fatherly roles.”
“I also thank my immediate family for their immeasurable sacrifices.
I extend the same appreciation to my aides for the unimaginable confidence that they have reposed on me.”
“Finally, as I give God all the glory, I wish to reassure my family, supporters and well wishers that Almighty God has not finished with us. Be rest assured that the journey of greatness is just beginning, so let us remain prayerful and resolute, knowing that our tomorrow shall be greater than today.”
“I thank all once again for your tremendous support”Hon Ikuli concluded.