INC Central, Western Zones Chairmen Hail Igbadiwei’s Victory, Pledge Support For New Leadership

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The Chairmen of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central and Western Zones, HRH Amb. Moses Theophilus Kenibara and Barr Priye Noel Kuete,LL.M , has congratulated Chief Barr. MacDonald Igbadiwei on his emergence as INC President-Elect in April 13, 2026 polls.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, April 14, 2026, the two zonal leaders described Igbadiwei’s victory as a unifying outcome that reflects the collective will of Ijaw delegates across zones and clans. They said the election has produced “a leader whose capacity, legal pedigree, and grassroots understanding position him to rekindle the INC’s founding vision.”

HRH Amb. Kenibara of Central Zone noted that the peaceful conduct of the poll in Yenagoa has restored confidence in the Congress as a truly democratic institution. Barr. Kuete of Western Zone added that the outcome signals a new phase of collaboration between the zones and the national body.

Barr. Preye Nuel Kuete, Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Western Zone, described the April 2026 INC presidential election as peaceful, credible, free, and fair.

In a brief remark, Kuete commended delegates and electoral officials for conducting themselves with decorum throughout the exercise. He said the transparency of the process reflected the maturity of the Ijaw nation and has strengthened confidence in the Congress as a democratic institution.

The chairmen pledged the full cooperation of the Central and Western Zones with the incoming national executive. They committed to mobilizing their structures to support policies that promote unity, youth development, and the protection of Ijaw interests in the Niger Delta and beyond.

“We will work hand-in-hand with the President-Elect to ensure that every Ijaw clan, from the Central creeks to the Western flank, feels the impact of this administration,” the statement read.

Both leaders urged other zones, clans, and chapters to rally behind Chief Igbadiwei, stressing that post-election unity is critical to engaging government, development partners, and other ethnic nationalities. They also appealed to unsuccessful aspirants to see their participation as service and to contribute their experience to the new leadership.
They urged all stakeholders to accept the outcome and support the new leadership.