WARRI DELINEATION: Itsekiri leaders fault INEC’s fresh proposals
Itsekiri Leaders of Thought Reject INEC’s Proposed Delineation
Warri, Nigeria — The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT) have criticized the recent delineation of wards, polling units, and state constituencies proposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Warri Federal Constituency.
In a statement, ILOT labeled the process as fraudulent, asserting that INEC’s fieldwork and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping did not adhere to the standards set by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act of 2026, or INEC’s own guidelines.
Sir Amorighoye Mene, Secretary of ILOT, expressed the organization’s firm rejection of INEC’s recommendations, which were released on May 20 in Asaba, Delta State.
“While we acknowledge the creation of two additional state constituencies and one federal constituency, we are concerned about the underlying data. The composition relies on previously rejected data released by INEC in April 2025,” said Mene.
ILOT’s position hinges on the belief that the delineation process is currently non-compliant with constitutional and electoral mandates. The group emphasized that although the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/143/2016 directed INEC to conduct a new delineation exercise in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas, it did not invalidate existing wards or voter registrations.
The statement voiced further concerns regarding INEC’s activities beyond its electoral responsibilities, including community recognition and demographic classifications, which ILOT contends fall outside INEC’s administrative mandate.
The organization also rejected the use of unofficial population estimates or aerial mapping as bases for delineation, asserting that any deviation from constitutionally recognized data compromises the credibility of the electoral process.
Mene highlighted the political representation of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups in the constituency, countering claims that they have been marginalized.
Additionally, independent geographic experts have reported inconsistencies in the polling unit coordinates provided by INEC, with some units purportedly located outside their designated local government areas or in uninhabitable locations.
ILOT has called on the Federal Government to investigate the delineation process and hold any responsible officials accountable. The group has formally submitted objections to both INEC and the Office of the National Security Adviser, urging that these concerns be addressed promptly.
“We urge all stakeholders to engage in peaceful and lawful discussions as INEC concludes its consultations,” said Mene. “Our commitment remains to fairness and the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups within the Warri Federal Constituency.”
