Leaders of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality have rejected the proposed delineation of wards, polling units, state constituencies and the creation of an additional federal constituency in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The leaders alleged that the exercise was characterised by constitutional, legal and technical irregularities and called on the Federal Government to investigate the conduct of the delineation process.
Addressing a press briefing, the leaders said although they support the Supreme Court judgment directing a fresh delineation exercise in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas, they could not accept what they described as flaws in its implementation.
They accused INEC of relying on disputed Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping data and inadequate fieldwork in producing the report unveiled in Asaba on May 20, 2026.
Among those who spoke at the briefing were Chief Edward Ekpoko, Prince Yemi Emiko, Sir A.S. Mene, Alex Eyengho and Chief Robinson Ariyo.
The leaders argued that the proposed delineation violated provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines governing electoral boundary adjustments.
They cited what they described as disparities in the allocation of wards and polling units across communities and faulted the creation of proposed wards identified as Bolou-Ama and Ewein in Warri South Local Government Area.
The group also alleged that several Itsekiri communities, including Ubeji, Omadino, Ifie, Egbokodo, Orugbo and Ode-Itsekiri, were omitted from the field report despite their population size.
As part of their demands, the leaders called for a review of the delineation exercise based on voter data from the 2023 general election, which they said would ensure fairness and equity among the affected communities.
They further cautioned against inflammatory statements and actions capable of heightening tensions in the area and urged all parties to pursue their grievances through lawful and democratic means.
The Itsekiri leaders maintained that they remain committed to democratic inclusion and electoral reforms but insisted that the delineation exercise must comply with constitutional and legal requirements.
