Rear Admiral Geoffrey Yanga (rtd.) has formally submitted his nomination to contest the presidency of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), signalling a major development in the build-up to the organisation’s 2026 national elections.
The nomination was submitted on Tuesday to the INC Election Committee at the Ijaw House, the national secretariat of the Congress.
Admiral Yanga, a prominent figure in the Ijaw struggle, is widely recognised for his activism even while serving as a naval officer. He is among those credited with placing their military careers on the line during the agitation that led to the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996 as a homogeneous Ijaw state.
Speaking after the submission, Yanga’s Campaign Coordinator, Engr. Charles Ambaowei, said the retired naval officer’s emergence as INC president would usher in long-awaited unity among the Ijaw people spread across six states and three geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Ambaowei noted that issues such as the devolution of powers, persistent security challenges, and the overall political and socio-economic wellbeing of the Ijaw nation would be top priorities under a Yanga-led INC.
According to him, what has been lacking over the years is “a purposeful and visionary leadership capable of driving the INC and the Ijaw nation towards the collective aspirations of its people.”
Several eminent Ijaw leaders accompanied Admiral Yanga during the submission. They included Chief Zee Debekeme, Chief Ayakeme Whisky, Chief Blesson Oborokuma, Dame Esther Boro, Prof. Koku Obiyai, Dr. Osaki Asokari, Engr. Charles Ambaowei, Brig.-Gen. M. Abel (rtd.) and Maj.-Gen. P. K. Ikumoinein (rtd.).
Other Presidential aspirants are Alabo Nengi James, the current Vice-President, Engr. Ebi Wodu, the current Secretary; Prof. Erepamo Osaisai, and Elder Timi Ogoriba.
