Ijaw, Urhobo Back INEC’s Fresh Delineation in Warri, Urge Swift Completion Before 2027 Polls

Ijaw, Urhobo Back INEC’s Fresh Delineation in Warri, Urge Swift Completion Before 2027 Polls

The Ijaw and Urhobo communities within the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State have thrown their support behind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units, as mandated by the Supreme Court. They are now urging the Commission to expedite the completion of the exercise before the 2027 general elections.

This joint position was presented during a press briefing in Warri on Wednesday, with representatives from Okere-Urhobo, Agbarha-Warri, Isaba, Ogbe-Ijoh, Egbema, and Gbaramatu kingdoms across Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West LGAs.

Key representatives who addressed the media included Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, Hon. (Chief) Arthur Akpodubakaye, Joel Bisina, Comrade Emman Igetei for the Ijaw nation, and Chief John Erenvor, Chief Westham Adehor, Olorogun Victor Okumagba and Hon. Mark Ikpuri for the Urhobo side.

The leaders acknowledged INEC’s commitment to obeying the Supreme Court’s order, especially in the face of multiple litigations allegedly filed by the Itsekiri ethnic group aimed at halting the delineation process.

“The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the steps taken so far towards complying with the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State…”

They applauded the release of INEC’s fieldwork report, asserting that it accurately reflects the demographic realities—stating that the Ijaws hold majority status in Warri North and Warri South-West, while the Urhobos dominate Warri South.

They also insisted that no electoral activity, including voter registration, should occur in the constituency until the delineation process is concluded.

“It is the position of the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri that there should not be any electoral activity, including registration of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency, without completion of the fresh delineation as ordered by the Supreme Court…”

Rejecting the Itsekiri’s demand that INEC use the previous voter register for the delineation, they emphasized population and physical considerations as the key legal criteria for the exercise.

The leaders also raised concerns over an alleged plot uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS), involving a dismissed British Army Major and some local collaborators, reportedly aimed at inciting unrest in the area. They called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to ensure a transparent investigation and prosecution.

They condemned threats from self-proclaimed Pan-Yoruba groups, attributing them to desperate attempts by certain Itsekiri leaders to derail the delineation.

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Drawing from the tragic Warri crisis of 1997–2003, they warned the federal government against yielding to pressure to alter the demographic representation revealed in the INEC report.

“Any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on the fresh delineation is a direct invitation to anarchy by whoever is involved…”

The Ijaw and Urhobo leaders urged the Presidency to remain resolute and avoid being “blackmailed” into halting a court-ordered democratic process they say is rooted in truth, population data and the rule of law.