SPECIAL REPORT: Itsekiri Community Protests INEC’s Delineation in Warri, Calls for Immediate Reversal
A fierce outcry has erupted from the Itsekiri community as community stormed Abuja to condemn what they describes as autocratic actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the creation of new communities and wards within the Warri Local Government in Delta State.
In an unprecedented move, the Itsekiri people took to the streets of Abuja to peacefully protest INEC’s recent delineation, which they claim undermines both legal judgments and their traditional territorial boundaries aiming to turn them from Majority in the area to minority.
The protest, witnessed a strong turnout of aggrieved Itsekiri community members, centered on the belief that the Commission’s delineation exercise violated a Supreme Court ruling and ignored long-established geographical boundaries in Warri. Members of the community voiced concerns that this move was politically motivated and specifically targeted the Itsekiri people, with the potential to marginalize them further.
“We are not just protesting a mere boundary dispute; we are protesting the very integrity of our heritage, our identity, and our legal rights,” said Ogbegbe Misan, the Youth Leader of the Itsekiri community. “The entire Itsekiri community is against this delineation. INEC has overstepped its bounds by creating communities and wards that never existed in Warri.”
The protesters came armed with bold placards bearing strong messages, including: “INEC, Respect Court Judgments,” “Stop the Marginalization of Itsekiris,” and “Mr. President, Please Sack All The Staff Involved in This Shameful Act.” Many placards also read: “INEC Itsekiri Say No to False Delineation,” a clear declaration of the community’s defiance.
The core of the protest lies in the accusation that INEC’s delineation was neither impartial nor just. The Itsekiris believe the exercise was part of a broader attempt to destabilize their communities, with some alleging that Warri was unfairly singled out for such an exercise.
“There is no logical reason why only Warri communities were targeted. This smells of foul play,” Misan further emphasized. “This deliberate action aims to distort our political and cultural landscape.”
Among those voicing discontent was Toju Itsegba, a prominent member of the community, who called the delineation an effort to suppress and push the Itsekiri people towards extinction. “This is not just about new boundaries—it’s an intentional act to erase our identity,” Itsegba stated. “The Supreme Court judgment is clear: only the delineation of old wards is permissible. INEC is flagrantly violating the law.”
The community’s concerns are rooted in legal precedent, as the Supreme Court has previously ruled against the creation of new wards in the absence of proper legal process. The Itsekiri people argue that by disregarding this judgment, INEC is undermining their rights and creating a dangerous precedent for other communities across the country.
While the protest was peaceful, the anger and frustration of the Itsekiri community were palpable. They have called on the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari to take action and ensure that those responsible for the delineation are held accountable. Many have demanded that INEC staff involved in what they term a “shameful act” be sacked.
In response to the growing unrest, an INEC official briefly addressed the protesters. “We have received your petition and are aware of your concerns,” the official assured. “INEC will carefully review the issues raised and engage with relevant community leaders to find an amicable resolution.”
The Itsekiri community has vowed to continue its protests until their demands are met. The community remains resolute in their opposition to what they consider an unjust delineation. “This fight is far from over,” said Misan. “We will not allow this violation to stand.”
The protest may have concluded peacefully, but the simmering tension between INEC and the Itsekiri community has yet to dissipate. The outcome of this issue may have lasting implications, not only for the people of Warri but for the future of electoral delineation processes in Nigeria.