Tensions over the delineation of Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State escalated on Tuesday as Itsekiri youths marched to the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding a fresh exercise to correct what they described as an unfair and unconstitutional process.
The protesters, operating under the banners of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths and the Warri Reclamation Thrust (WRT), accused INEC of sidelining Itsekiri communities during the April 4, 2025, delineation, claiming it undermined the political relevance of the indigenous population.
Carrying placards bearing slogans calling for justice, the youths insisted that the exercise reduced Itsekiri wards from 10 to six, effectively rendering them “tenants in their own land,” according to Joseph Okotie, National President of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths.
“We are not opposing the court judgment mandating the delineation.
“But transferring our wards to other groups violates the rights of our people and cannot be accepted, ” he said.
Bright Omaghomi, Convener of the Warri Reclamation Thrust, alleged that more than 90 per cent of the delineation outcome contained errors, including the renaming of Itsekiri communities to favor other groups and tilt political power away from them.
He further criticised INEC for allegedly ignoring multiple petitions submitted by the group and expressed deep skepticism about prior assurances from electoral officials.
Also speaking, Tsaye Mene, First Vice President of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, urged the commission to reverse the exercise, warning that continued inaction could escalate ethnic tensions in the region.
She demanded an investigation into INEC staff involved in the process and called for an official apology to restore public confidence.
The protesters concluded by insisting on a new ward delineation exercise that would involve all stakeholders and respect historical ownership and constitutional provisions.
She stressed that genuine inclusion is vital to ensuring political stability in Warri Federal Constituency.
