Sapele Okpe Community Sets Stage for Leadership Transition, Unveils Election Committees and Guidelines

By Endurance Ikanone

The Sapele Okpe Community has officially commenced the process of electing a new executive council, with voting scheduled to hold on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Sapele Okpe Community Hall, as preparations gather momentum for a smooth transition of leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the community during a media briefing, Chief (Dr.) Kingsley Abeke said the electoral process had become necessary following the expiration of the tenure of the current executive, which was inaugurated on August 14, 2022, for a four year term.

He explained that the leadership transition is being conducted in strict compliance with the constitution of the Sapele Okpe Community, stressing that the exercise reflects the community’s commitment to democratic principles, accountability and orderly succession.

According to Chief Abeke, the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust, the body constitutionally vested with the responsibility of conducting community elections, has already commenced the electoral process through the sale and submission of nomination forms by interested aspirants.

He disclosed that the election timetable includes the screening of candidates, consideration of petitions and appeals by the Screening Appeal Committee, and the conduct of the election, all designed to ensure a credible and transparent process.

Chief Abeke noted that the decision to brief journalists was informed by the need to keep members of the community and the general public adequately informed while promoting openness and confidence in the electoral process.

He announced that the Electoral Committee is chaired by Senator Ede Dafinone, with Chief Moses Babuba Abeke and Mr. Isaiah Ikakitie serving as members. He further stated that the Screening Committee is headed by Chief Godfrey Dafinone, while Mr. Godwin Ayomanor and Mr. Freeborn Obire serve as members.

Expressing confidence in the committees, Chief Abeke said they possess the integrity, experience and capacity to conduct a free, fair, peaceful and credible election in accordance with the provisions of the community’s constitution and established electoral procedures.

Providing further insight into the electoral framework, he explained that all executive positions are distributed among the four quarters that make up the Sapele Okpe Community under a long standing zoning arrangement designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness, equity and balanced representation.

For the 2026 election, he said the office of Chairman has been zoned to Ogodo Quarter, while the position of Vice Chairman has been reserved for Egborode Quarter. Other executive offices, including Secretary and Treasurer, have also been allocated to designated quarters in line with the zoning formula that has continued to foster unity, peace and harmonious coexistence within the community.

On eligibility requirements, Chief Abeke stated that aspirants seeking the four principal offices of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer must possess university degrees from recognised institutions. Candidates contesting other executive positions, he added, are only required to have a reasonable level of formal education.

He explained that the educational qualifications were intended to ensure that those elected into key leadership positions possess the competence and capacity required to effectively represent the interests of the Sapele Okpe Community in engagements with government institutions, corporate organisations and other stakeholders.

Chief Abeke also disclosed that successful candidates would be sworn into office immediately after the conclusion of the election at the Sapele Okpe Community Hall, marking the formal commencement of a new administration expected to build on the achievements of the outgoing executive.