April 13, (THEWILL) — Armed operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday took over Ijaw House along Sani Abacha Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, forcefully halting the scheduled National Executive Council (NEC) election of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and preventing delegates from accessing the venue.
The security lockdown, which began as early as 7:00 a.m., saw no fewer than eight police vans strategically deployed around the premises, while DSS operatives occupied key areas inside the premises, effectively shutting down all electoral activities and dispersing early arrivals.
The action followed a directive from the Bayelsa State Police Command, reportedly acting on a formal request by the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), which had earlier announced the suspension of the election over what it described as “grave constitutional breaches” and a flood of petitions against the Prof. Benjamin Okaba-led NEC and its Electoral Committee.
Sources at the scene said tension had been building before the planned poll, with factions within the INC sharply divided over the legitimacy of the process, raising fears of a breakdown of law and order if the exercise had proceeded.
An aide to one of the candidates, who arrived at the venue in a convoy accompanied by escorts from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), confronted security officials over the barricade. He was, however, politely informed by a senior police officer that the premises had been sealed on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, in line with security advice.
THEWILL gathered that the development may not be unconnected to allegations of constitutional violations, lack of transparency in the electoral process, and disputes over the composition and conduct of the Electoral Committee. These had triggered multiple formal complaints from aggrieved stakeholders across Ijaw land.
At a press conference on Sunday, Chairman of CITRE and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama, openly questioned the credibility of the process, warning that proceeding with the election under such contentious circumstances could ignite unrest.
“There are clear constitutional breaches and widespread objections from stakeholders. The atmosphere is already charged. Allowing the election to go on would have led to an avoidable crisis,” he stated.
Invoking its role as the final arbiter in disputes within the INC structure, CITRE announced the immediate suspension of the NEC election and formally wrote to the police to enforce its directive by preventing any gathering at Ijaw House.
Monday’s heavy security presence effectively enforced that resolution, ensuring that no voting took place and that delegates were denied entry into the premises.
While the intervention has drawn mixed reactions, many stakeholders acknowledged that the decisive action by both traditional authorities and security agencies may have averted a potentially volatile confrontation, given the deepening divisions within the organisation.
As of the time of filing this report, the premises remained under tight security, with uncertainty over when a new date for the NEC election will be announced. However, there are increasing calls for dialogue, adherence to the INC constitution, and a transparent process that can command the confidence of all parties involved.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
