Alabo Nengi James, Vice President II of the Ijaw National Congress, has formally submitted his nomination form to contest for the presidency of the apex Ijaw socio cultural body, declaring himself the most experienced and trusted candidate in the race.
James made the declaration at Ijaw House during the official submission of his forms and the unveiling of his manifesto and campaign materials. Before party faithful and supporters, he said his more than three decades in the Ijaw struggle have prepared him for the responsibility of leading the Congress at a critical time for the ethnic nationality.
He traced his involvement in Ijaw advocacy to his early years in pro democracy movements and youth organizations, noting that he has served in several capacities across the Niger Delta and beyond. According to him, his exposure within groups such as the Movement for the Survival and Emancipation of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, the Bayelsa Youth Federation, the Ijaw Youth Council and now the Ijaw National Congress has given him a broad understanding of the political and socio economic challenges facing Ijaw communities.
Read also:
- 2027 Presidency: APC Chieftain dismisses claims of Amaechi having no plan for South-East
- Presidency announces launch of ‘back to farm’ food security initiative at Davos Summit
- 2027 Elections: The quiet power struggle over Nigeria’s vice-presidency
James also recalled his years of service under respected Ijaw leaders, including the late Chief Harold Dappa Briye and Pa Edwin Clark, stating that their mentorship shaped his approach to leadership and advocacy. He said his experience as a youth leader within the South South Peoples Assembly took him across communities and states, deepening his knowledge of national affairs and minority rights.
Presenting his vision for the INC presidency, James pledged to work for unity among Ijaw people at home and in the diaspora. He said internal cohesion would be a priority, stressing that the Congress must speak with one voice on matters affecting the region.
On security, he promised closer engagement with security agencies to address concerns about banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ijaw territories. He maintained that safeguarding lives and property is essential for development and investor confidence in the Niger Delta.
James also renewed the long standing demand for the creation of additional states for the Ijaw people, saying the INC under his leadership would sustain dialogue with the Federal Government, the National Assembly and relevant political stakeholders. He added that engagement with Ijaw lawmakers at both national and state levels would be strengthened to push constitutional reforms that reflect the aspirations of the ethnic nationality.
Environmental justice featured prominently in his address. He called on the Federal Government to confront the impact of decades of oil exploration, gas flaring and pollution across Ijawland. According to him, any serious leadership of the INC must prioritize the protection of the environment and the restoration of damaged ecosystems that have affected livelihoods in fishing and farming communities.
With the INC election drawing closer, James’ declaration sets the stage for what observers expect to be a closely watched contest, as stakeholders debate the future direction of the influential body in the Niger Delta.
