WARRI DELINEATION: Anxiety as Itsekiri, Ijaw/Urhobo sing discordant tunes on INEC report

Anxiety is mounting in Warri, Nigeria, as the Itsekiri and Ijaw/Urhobo ethnic groups voice discordant opinions regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) recent ward delineation report.

The core of the contention lies in the perceived non-compliance of the delineation exercise with established legal frameworks. Representatives from the affected communities stated, "Our position, on firm conviction, is that the exercise, as presently conducted, does not comply with provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC’s own guidelines for delineation of wards and polling units."

This disagreement underscores the sensitivity surrounding the creation and adjustment of electoral wards and polling units. Such processes can have significant implications for political representation and resource allocation within the region.

The differing tunes sung by the Itsekiri and Ijaw/Urhobo groups signal underlying tensions and potential disputes over the fairness and accuracy of the INEC report, raising concerns about the upcoming electoral processes in Warri.

“

Our position, on firm conviction, is that the exercise, as presently conducted, does not comply with provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC’s own guidelines for delineation of wards and polling units.