IPF to elect new leadership January 30, screens aspirants

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The National Electoral Committee of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF N-ELECO) has successfully screened aspirants jostling to occupy executive leadership positions in the Forum whose election is scheduled to hold on Friday, January 30, 2026.

This was disclosed by the chairman of the IPF N-ELECO, Mr. Abai Francis, and Secretary, Elder Cletus Opukeme, after the conclusion of screening exercises at the Africa 4 Peace Center at Ugolo near Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

The IPF N-ELECO Chairman further emphasised that the exercise was a fruitful one as all of the aspirants who showed up for the exercise met with the requirements including two presidential candidates Mr Perez Bibaikefie and Distinand that they have been cleared for the forthcoming election on Friday in the same venue.

The electoral committee reiterated that those who could not show up for the screening exercise due to unforeseen circumstances will be communicated on the alternative means online with a financial fine attached.

Speaking on the election earlier scheduled to hold on February 13, the IPF N-ELECO said the first schedule was reviewed and that the date was brought forward to give more room for the planning of the inauguration as the current IPF exco tenure elapses on February 29.

“The screening exercise was a successful one. Those who attended and scaled through have been cleared to contest as candidates for the various offices of their interest.

“For those who could not attend, we have already set in motion an alternative to give them room to them to undergo the screening, but with financial obligations attached as compensation for the incurring of additional costs on the IPF N-ELECO,” Mr. Abai noted.

The IPF N-ELECO called on candidates in the contest to abide by the rules guiding the electoral process while it assured of a fair and transparent process to bring in qualified exco members to pilot the affairs of the body.