By WARRI, DELTA STATE — The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency have jointly called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately conclude the ongoing fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in accordance with the Supreme Court order, declaring that no electoral activity should take place until this exercise is fully completed.
At a joint press conference in Warri, leaders of both ethnic nationalities from Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas expressed strong support for INEC’s recent fieldwork report, which they said reflects the demographic realities in the constituency. They noted that the Ijaws constitute the majority population in Warri North and South-West, while the Urhobos dominate Warri South.
The Ijaw, Urhobo nationalities representatives at the press conference
“We commend INEC for standing by the truth and complying with the Supreme Court order despite attempts by the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality to frustrate the process through multiple court actions,” the statement read.
The joint group firmly rejected calls by the Itsekiris for INEC to use the existing voters register as the basis for the new delineation, labelling such a demand as unconstitutional and misleading. “The register of voters is no longer valid following the Supreme Court judgement. What matters now is actual population and geographical considerations,” said Comrade Sheriff Mulade, an Ijaw representative.
According to the group, the use of voter registers violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s own guidelines issued on 21 March 2024. They stated unequivocally that only the current fieldwork and population data should guide the delineation process.
Representatives of the two nationalities at the forum
A serious concern raised during the press conference was the recent arrest of individuals allegedly involved in a plot to import arms and foment violence to derail the delineation process. Among those reportedly involved is a serving British Army officer and a traditional ruler in the area.
“This is nothing short of terrorism. We demand a thorough investigation and prosecution of those behind this scheme, no matter their status,” said Chief Westham Adehor, a signatory from the Urhobo delegation. “This is not just a local issue. It is a matter of national security.”
The group further accused some Itsekiri leaders of attempting to blackmail INEC and the federal government by threatening oil and gas installations, inciting the public through media campaigns, and influencing Yoruba groups to issue provocative statements.
“These attempts to disrupt vital national infrastructure in pursuit of ethnic interest must be treated as acts of terrorism,” the leaders said, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to succumb to such pressure. “Nigeria is not a Banana Republic. No ethnic group should hold the Supreme Court or federal institutions to ransom.”
Representing the Ijaw and Urhobo positions at the briefing were Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, Dr Joel Bisina, and Comrade Emmanuel Igetei for the Ijaws; and Chief John Eranvor, Chief Westham Adehor (JP), Olorogun Victor Okumagba (JP), and Hon. Mark Ikpuri for the Urhobos. Their unified stance, they said, is rooted in a shared commitment to justice, peaceful coexistence, and the integrity of the democratic process.
The joint delegation concluded by warning against any move to alter the current ethnic majority configuration in Warri North, South, and South-West, citing the destructive Warri crisis of 1997–2003 as a reminder of the dangers of political manipulation in the region.
They urged INEC to release its final report without delay and called for the Nigerian government to defend the rule of law, peace, and democratic integrity in the Niger Delta.
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