INEC’s Warri delineation report ‘fraudulent data’, say Itsekiri leaders

Claim constitutional violations

From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri

The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT) have strongly rejected the newly proposed delineation of wards, polling units and constituencies for the Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The socio-cultural group alleged that the fresh mapping exercise is anchored on “fraudulent data” previously released and rejected in April 2025.

In a press statement issued yesterday by ILOT Secretary Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, the leaders argued that the fieldwork and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping released by INEC to stakeholders on Wednesday fail to comply with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026 and the commission’s own guidelines.

While ILOT acknowledged that the creation of two additional state constituencies and one federal constituency is a welcome development, it stated that the composition of these new zones is fundamentally flawed.

“While we welcome the creation of two additional state constituencies and one federal constituency, the devil is in the details,” the statement read.

“The composition is based on the earlier rejected fraudulent data released by INEC on April 4, 2025, at Asaba.”

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

The leaders clarified that while a Supreme Court judgment (Suit No. SC/143/2016) ordered a fresh delineation in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North local government areas, the apex court never declared existing voter registers or wards fake.

ILOT accused INEC of overstepping its constitutional bounds by wading into ethnographic and territorial classifications, such as identifying community structures and demographic interpretations, rather than sticking to its strictly administrative and electoral mandate.

The group raised serious concerns over the technical integrity of the exercise, citing independent geographic and survey findings.

According to ILOT, the coordinates provided by INEC contain glaring errors, with several polling units allegedly mapped outside their designated local government areas.

According to the group, some coordinates reportedly place polling units in rivers, swamps, forests and entirely uninhabitable areas.

ILOT claimed that some units were allegedly mapped inside neighbouring Edo and Ondo states, countering claims that other ethnic groups in the region have been marginalised.

The group stated that the political history of the Warri Federal Constituency clearly shows that both the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups have consistently held, and continue to hold, significant political offices across the three local government areas.

The Itsekiri leadership confirmed that it has already submitted formal objections to both INEC and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

It called on the federal government to investigate the exercise and hold any compromised officials accountable.

Despite its strong objections, ILOT condemned any threats to peace, security or national infrastructure.

It urged all stakeholders to remain peaceful and law-abiding while consultations continue, reaffirming its commitment to fairness, justice and peaceful coexistence in the Warri Federal Constituency.