Itsekiri Group Rejects Warri Ward Delineation Over Alleged Fraud

The Warri Strategic Forum, a socio-cultural group, has outright rejected the ward and constituency delineation reports for the Warri Federal Constituency released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on May 20, 2026. This decision was made public through a statement by the Chairman of WSF, Professor Lucky Akaruese, and the Secretary, Dr. Patrick Fregene, where they described the exercise as fraudulent and designed to favour one zone over another.

The statement from WSF alleged that the exercise was aimed at ethnically altering, politically sidelining, and stripping the indigenous Itsekiri people of their constitutional relevance. Professor Lucky Akaruese and Dr. Patrick Fregene urged the Federal Government to constitute an independent panel to investigate the exercise. They emphasized the need to respect historical realities, physical community verification, court rulings, and established ancestral boundaries.

As a law-abiding ethnic nationality, the Itsekiri people fully respect the Supreme Court judgment (SC. 413/2016) mandating a fresh delineation. They nonetheless firmly declare that the apex court didn't order INEC to execute a process tainted with institutionalized fraud, severe bias, and administrative corruption.

WSF has submitted formal objections to the National Headquarters of INEC and the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA. They're demanding the nullification of the fraudulent INEC proposal of ward delineation reports. They're also calling for the prosecution of compromised electoral officials found guilty of manipulating geographic information systems and inventing phantom polling units.

The Itsekiri people are being called upon to remain calm and peaceful during this period of consultation. The WSF has made it clear that they'll exhaust every legal, constitutional, and civil avenue to fight this institutionalized injustice. The group's determination to protect their ancestral space and identity within the Nigerian federation is evident in their statement. They've vowed not to yield their ancestral space nor allow their identity to be erased by administrative corruption.

The Warri Federal Constituency has a long and complex history. Various ethnic groups have been vying for representation and influence. The Itsekiri people have historically been a significant part of the constituency. Any attempt to alter their constitutional relevance could have far-reaching implications for the region's politics and social dynamics.

As the situation unfolds, it's essential to consider the potential consequences of the WSF's rejection. It's also essential to consider the Federal Government's response. The demand for an independent investigation and the prosecution of compromised officials could lead to a more transparent and fair delineation process. This could ultimately benefit the Itsekiri people and the region as a whole.

The outcome of this situation is uncertain. The path forward will depend on the actions of the Federal Government and the various stakeholders involved. The Itsekiri people won't give up their fight for their rights and ancestral space. Their determination will shape the course of this story. They can't afford to lose their ancestral space, and they won't allow their identity to be erased.