The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has expressed concern over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent delineation exercise in Warri communities, claiming it was flawed and biased. 
 
The group called for a reversal of the exercise to prevent a breakdown of law and order in Itsekiri and Ijaw communities.
 
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Oguntimehin, the OPC highlighted several infractions committed by INEC, including the renaming of Itsekiri communities, and replacing them with other local councils, and inclusion of communities in Edo and Ondo to create units and wards in Itsekiri areas, all of which seem to favour the Ijaw community.
 
The OPC noted that INEC’s creation of units on shrines, waters, and forests contradicted its guidelines. It also highlighted alleged unequal treatment by INEC, where Ijaw areas in Warri South-West Council were fully delineated, while Itsekiri areas were not.
 
The group described, as disturbing, reports that the Ijaw community was pressuring INEC to implement the original draft, allegedly due to prior payments. It added that the development has raised concerns about the integrity of the delineation process.
 
The OPC also expressed grave concern about the ongoing attempts by the Ijaw community to encroach on Itsekiri lands, specifically areas such as Abiteye, Ijahala, and Kantu. 
 
“The Ijaw Community’s intentions seem to be driven by a desire to gain control over Itsekiri oil facilities, which could lead to renewed crises and potentially allow them to take over more communities. This is reminiscent of past conflicts where they partially succeeded in doing so. We fear that if this situation is not addressed, it could escalate into another crisis, threatening the stability and security of the Itsekiri people,” the statement read.
 
The OPC demanded that INEC prioritises implementing prior court judgments related to the Warri Federal Constituency, particularly the reversal to the 10-ward structure in Warri South Local Council and other land disputes judgments. 
 
It maintained that upholding these judgments, adhering to its guidelines and avoiding a repeat of the aforementioned irregularities, remained the only way INEC could conduct another credible delineation exercise, and ensure a fair and transparent process.