Itsekiri Youths Reject INEC’s Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Proposal, Allege Electoral Fraud

Itsekiri Youths Reject INEC’s Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Proposal, Allege Electoral Fraud

By Tosan Atie/Warri

The apex Itsekiri youth body, Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY), has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) latest proposal on the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, describing it as fraudulent, unjust, and unacceptable to the Itsekiri Nation.

In a press release issued in Warri yesterday, UIY said the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting held at the INEC Secretariat in Asaba, Delta State, could not be sustained in any society governed by law and justice. The group vowed that the Itsekiri people would reject the proposal in its entirety.

The statement was signed by UIY President Comrade Joseph Okotie, Secretary General Comrade Jolomi Jakpah, and Legal Adviser Barr. Onesiosan Ogholaja.

UIY acknowledged that INEC carried out the delineation pursuant to the Supreme Court judgment in _Hon. George Timinimi & Ors v. INEC (SC. 413/2016)_. However, the group argued that the new proposal perpetuates the same illegalities and fraudulent practices the Itsekiri Nation has consistently opposed.

“The delineation exercise was conducted without neutrality, justice, or fairness, and is therefore unacceptable to the Itsekiri Nation,” the statement read. “The Supreme Court did not order INEC to conduct a delineation tainted with fraud and corrupt practices.”

The youth body contended that the new report betrays the principles of electoral honesty, transparency, and neutrality expected of INEC. It described the proposal as “an electoral fraud orchestrated by a state actor to deprive the Itsekiri people of their electoral relevance.”

UIY noted that while Sections 112-115 of the 1999 Constitution empower INEC to delineate constituencies, wards, and polling units, such an exercise must be based on existing administrative divisions, historical records, and geographical factors. According to the group, the new proposal ignored these criteria.

The release alleged that INEC created additional electoral wards for the Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri South West, Warri North, and Warri South LGAs, while disregarding complaints and observations submitted by the Itsekiri Nation.

UIY cited the creation of wards and polling units using “invented communities” such as Bolouma and Ewein in Warri South, which it said have no historical record or existence. The group also referenced _Suit No. W/148/56: Chief Izoukumo Olioki & 5 Ors v. Itsekiri Communal Land Trustees and Chief Sam Warri Esi_, arguing that courts have previously held that the Ijaw have no legal rights in parts of Warri South LGA.

It further alleged that certain units, such as Jimmygbene Point, were falsely recorded as Ijaw settlements despite their coordinates pointing to Ebrohimi, an Itsekiri community.

UIY maintained that the delineation process must reflect historical and legal realities to preserve fairness and prevent the disenfranchisement of the Itsekiri people in Warri Federal Constituency.

The group called on INEC to review the proposal and conduct a fresh exercise that adheres to the principles of justice, neutrality, and the rule of law.