The Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality has declared a total rejection of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s ward and polling unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, accusing the Commission of bias, illegality, and “robbing the Itsekiri people of their rightful representation.”
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a press conference held on Monday at Preston Royal Event Centre, Warri South Local Government Area, and presented by Chief Brown Mene on behalf of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality.
While stressing that they are not opposed to the Supreme Court judgment that necessitated the redelineation exercise, the group insisted that INEC’s implementation was flawed and unjust. According to them, the April 4, 2025 proposal does not reflect actual geographic coordinates, with several “phantom” polling units and wards created in the process.
“As law-abiding citizens, we are not against the execution of the Supreme Court order on the redelineation of Warri Federal Constituency polling units and wards. What we demand is fairness, equity, and justice from INEC,” the communiqué stated.
The Itsekiri leaders therefore called on the Federal Government to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate INEC’s handling of the exercise. They also demanded that officials found culpable should face disciplinary measures to serve as a deterrent against similar misconduct in the future.
In addition, the group urged the immediate enforcement of all subsisting judicial pronouncements affecting the constituency, including the Court of Appeal ruling affirming the 10-ward structure of Warri South Local Government Area.
The communiqué expressed optimism that only decisive intervention by the Federal Government can restore justice and protect the rights of the Itsekiri people.
The press conference was well attended by illustrious sons and daughters of Iwere land, including former Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Vincent Uduaghan, among others.