IYC Factional Elections: Ikuli Urges Immediate Intervention By Ijaw Leaders
Prominent Ijaw activist and critical stakeholder in the Ijaw liberation struggle, Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has called on Ijaw leaders to urgently intervene in the leadership crisis rocking the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, warning that the planned factional elections could further deepen divisions within the Ijaw nation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ikuli described the IYC as a body born out of necessity and dedicated to uniting and protecting the interests of Ijaw youths globally. While acknowledging that the organization has experienced periodic internal crises due to its large membership and competitive leadership transitions, he noted that previous disputes were often resolved through established internal mechanisms and timely interventions by respected leaders.
According to him, it was uncommon in the past for IYC matters to be taken to courts or police stations, as disputes were usually settled amicably through dialogue and reconciliation.
Ikuli traced the roots of the current crisis to leadership transitions that have generated controversies over the years, culminating in the emergence of two rival factions currently led by Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri and Dr. Alaye Theophilus.
He maintained that Lokpobiri emerged as the duly elected president during the 2023 IYC National Convention, stressing that the outcome of the election reflected the prevailing mood and support across the Ijaw nation at the time.
The activist, who revealed that he also contested the IYC presidency alongside Lokpobiri, Theophilus, and other aspirants, lamented what he described as the inability of stakeholders to effectively manage the post-election situation, thereby allowing the crisis to persist.
He recalled that similar disputes following previous conventions were successfully resolved through dialogue and inclusive leadership, preventing the organization from splintering into factions.
Expressing concern over recent developments, Ikuli noted that both factions have already commenced separate electoral processes, including the sale of nomination forms, while aspirants continue to campaign across Ijaw communities and major cities such as Abuja and Lagos.
He warned that allowing parallel elections to proceed could further weaken the unity of the Ijaw nation at a time when collective action is needed to address emerging challenges.
"It is obvious that the Ijaw nation has not fully appreciated the level of damage a factionalized IYC is doing to the unity of our people," he said.
Ikuli urged prominent Ijaw leaders to immediately convene an emergency meeting involving both the Lokpobiri-led executive and the Theophilus group with a view to finding a lasting solution before the elections are conducted.
As part of his recommendations, he proposed the merger of the two electoral committees (ELECOs) under a co-chairmanship arrangement, supervised by respected stakeholders across Ijaw land. He further suggested that all aspirants who purchased forms from either faction should be allowed to participate in a unified election process.
He also advocated adequate funding for the election to cover logistics, accommodation, transportation, and feeding of delegates, arguing that such measures would help reduce the influence of vote-buying and promote a more credible electoral process.
Ikuli warned that Nigeria's current political and security uncertainties require a united and vigilant Ijaw nation, adding that the ethnic nationality cannot afford internal divisions at a critical period in the country's history.
"The time to act is now," he emphasized, urging Ijaw leaders to take proactive steps to preserve the unity and strength of the Ijaw Youth Council and the wider Ijaw nation.
