PRESS-REPORT:-IJAW-AND-URHOBO-NATIONS-DEMAND-JUSTICE-IN-SUPREME-COURT-ORDERED-WARD-DELINEATION
PRESS REPORT: IJAW AND URHOBO NATIONS DEMAND JUSTICE IN SUPREME COURT-ORDERED WARD DELINEATION
LOCATION: Delta State
DATE: May 4, 2026
Executive Summary
Leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Delta State held a joint world press conference today to address the ongoing delays and perceived obstructions regarding the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of electoral wards and polling units.
The joint body expressed a firm stance against attempts to stall the process, emphasizing that the current electoral structure in the Warri Federal Constituency—specifically within Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North—does not reflect the demographic reality or the judicial mandate established by the apex court.
Key Demands and Declarations
1. Immediate Implementation of the Supreme Court Order
The leaders highlighted that the Supreme Court's directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was clear: to conduct a fresh delineation of wards to ensure equitable representation. They warned that any further delay by INEC or interference by political actors would be viewed as an affront to the rule of law.
2. Rejection of Outdated Voter Registers
A major point of contention raised was the insistence by some quarters to use existing, contested voter registers for the exercise. The Ijaw and Urhobo leaders formally rejected this, stating:
"We cannot build a house of justice on a foundation of historical electoral fraud. The fresh delineation must be based on current fieldwork and accurate population data, not the skewed records of the past."
3. Call for Peace and Security
Addressing recent tensions, the leadership called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies to remain vigilant. They alleged that certain interests were attempting to use "ethnic blackmail" and threats of violence to force INEC to suspend the exercise. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace but insisted that "peace without justice is a graveyard."
4. Commendation of INEC’s Fieldwork
The leaders acknowledged the progress made by INEC officials during the fieldwork phase but urged the commission to resist pressure from external lobbyists. They demanded the immediate release of the final report and the formal gazetting of the new ward structures.
Stakeholder Perspectives
The conference brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders, and political stakeholders from both nations. They argued that for decades, several Ijaw and Urhobo communities have been marginalized, with their populations underrepresented in the legislative houses due to "stagnant and unfair" ward boundaries.
Issue Position of Ijaw/Urhobo Leaders
Delineation Basis Must reflect current population distribution.
Legal Mandate Non-negotiable Supreme Court order must be fully obeyed.
Security Government must stop alleged arms smuggling and intimidation by opposing groups.
Representation New wards must ensure every community has a voice in governance.
Conclusion
The press conference concluded with a warning that the Ijaw and Urhobo nations would no longer tolerate "administrative foot-dragging." They called on the international community and civil society organizations to monitor the situation in Delta State, asserting that the success of this delineation is crucial for the stability of the Niger Delta region ahead of future elections.
"The law has spoken; INEC must act."
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