Itsekiri Youths Reject INEC’s Fresh Warri Delineation Proposal

The Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY) has rejected the new ward and polling unit delineation proposal released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the Warri Federal Constituency, alleging fraud, bias and attempts to weaken the electoral strength of the Itsekiri people.

In a statement issued after a stakeholders’ meeting at the INEC Secretariat in Asaba on Wednesday, May 20, the group said the exercise violated constitutional provisions and ignored objections earlier raised by the Itsekiri Nation.

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

The youth body accused INEC of creating polling units in “non-existent communities,” including areas allegedly outside the constituency, while unfairly increasing wards in Ijaw areas and reducing Itsekiri representation.

UIY also alleged that the commission failed to rely on the 2006 census and existing voter register, describing the exercise as “electoral fraud orchestrated by a state actor.”

While affirming support for the Supreme Court judgment ordering the delineation, the group insisted the process must be transparent and lawful.