The recent constituency delineation proposal issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State has sparked significant discontent, particularly among the Itsekiri community, which has strongly opposed the plan.
The INEC’s proposal was unveiled over the weekend in Asaba, Delta State, following a directive from the Supreme Court to redefine the boundaries of the Warri Federal Constituency. The report was presented to representatives Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr. Joe Bisina, who spoke on behalf of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic groups, respectively.
However, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, a group based in Warri, Delta State, has expressed their disapproval of the proposed ward delineation. The group’s secretary, Amorighoye Mene, addressed the media yesterday in Asaba, stating their intention to contest INEC’s delineation concerning the Warri Federal Constituency.
Mene emphasized that they had anticipated INEC would consider the voting strength of the various ethnic groups within the region. He noted that the delineation process should have accounted for the Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, and other diverse demographic areas.
He warned that if INEC proceeds with the proposed wards, the Itsekiri community would face inadequate representation. He urged the electoral body to reconsider the matter to ensure fairness, taking into account the number of registered voters from each area.
In light of this situation, the frustrated Itsekiri community has called upon President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene swiftly, advocating for a delineation process that is “transparent, inclusive, and equitable.”
