Leaders of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality have raised concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) re-delineation of wards in Warri Federal Constituency, alleging discrepancies in the coordinates used for polling units.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the group described the exercise as critical to the preservation of fair representation for the Itsekiri people.
The event, attended by prominent Itsekiri leaders, women, and youth representatives, including the Ologbosere of Warri, Chief Oma Eyewuoma, Chief Brown Mene, and Chief A.S. Mene, issued a communique rejecting what they termed “bias and illegality” in the execution of the re-delineation process.
According to the statement, technical sessions revealed that “the coordinates of the polling units and wards created by INEC do not correspond with the actual locations on the ground.” The leaders insisted that, as a law-abiding ethnic group, they are not opposed to the execution of Supreme Court orders but are concerned about the integrity of the implementation.
The Itsekiri leaders called on the Federal Government to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged irregularities, including the creation of what they described as “phantom polling units and wards.” They further urged that any INEC officials or public office holders found responsible should face appropriate sanctions to deter future misconduct.
The communique also stressed the need for immediate enforcement of judicial decisions concerning the constituency, including a Court of Appeal judgment on the ten-ward structure in Warri South Local Government Area, which currently has no appeal pending.
Chief Oma Eyewuoma stressed that accurate ward delineation is essential for ensuring that the Itsekiri people receive equitable political representation and for maintaining confidence in the electoral system.
The Itsekiri ethnic nationality concluded by urging both INEC and the Federal Government to act swiftly to restore transparency and accountability to the re-delineation process in the Warri Federal Constituency.
