Itsekiri youths staged a protest at the national headquarters of Nigeria’s electoral commission, INEC, on Tuesday. They demanded a re-run of a recent ward delineation exercise in Warri, Delta State, calling it unfair and unconstitutional.
The protesters, from groups named Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths and the Warri Reclamation Thrust, accused INEC of sidelining them. They stated the changes have caused widespread anger and tension in their communities.
A leader, Joseph Okotie, declared the new ward boundaries have left them politically powerless. “We are tenants in our own land,” he said, insisting that wards belonging to Itsekiri communities were removed and given to other groups with different names.
Another convener, Bright Omaghomi, alleged the April 4th delineation was full of errors and gifted their land to “tenants.” He expressed frustration that INEC has not seriously responded to their many petitions on the issue.
The group warned that the situation could spark a serious crisis. Spokesperson Tsaye Mene called for INEC to correct the exercise, punish staff involved, and apologize to avoid potential conflict that could affect lives and oil installations in the area.
They have submitted fresh documents to the new INEC Chairman, urging a transparent review. The youths vowed to continue their resistance, with Okotie stating they are ready to “defend what belongs to us with the last drop of our blood.”
