Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State, on Monday, 25th August, 2025, insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC cannot conduct voter registration and election unless it implements the Supreme Court ordered delineation in the area.
They said five(5) months after the presentation of its report, INEC has refused to do the needful.
According to the Ijaw and Urhobo people, “external forces” are midwifing INEC from carrying out its constitutional responsibility.
“Five months after the presentation, INEC has not been able to publish the final report, rather they have decided to commence a future election process in gross violation of the Supreme Judgement.”
They warned that, only INEC can delineate units and wards in Warri Federal Constituency.
The Ijaws and Urhobos made the declaration at a World Press Conference held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The press statement was read by Olorogun Victor Okumagba.
It was signed by Olorogun Victor Okumagba, JP,Hon. Deinbofa Oweikpodor,Dr. Joel Bisina,Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye,Rev. Samuel Ako, Chief Emmanuel Sekondi,Hon. Frank Pukon,Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP),Chief David Reje,Comrade (Mrs) Margaret Ikinbor,Chief Monday Keme,Chief John Eranvor,Chief Sylvester Femi Okumagba, Chief Wilson Ogbodu and Chief(Mrs.) Ann Gagiyovwi, JP.
“We are fully convinced that INEC seemingly compromised independence, lack of resolve, and vulnerability to selfish external influence has delayed the release and implementation of this crucial report, which is vital to defining and enhancing the democratic participation of the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency.”
The ethnic nationalities urged INEC to do the needful and stand firm to delineate the various units and wards in Warri Federal Constituency.
They also demanded that, “INEC should immediately release and implement the report painstakingly embarked upon by stakeholders.
“We shall not idly standby and watch our democratic rights and franchise fretted away by INEC’s lawlessness and disastrous irresponsibility. A stich in time saves nine.”
The Spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama said, “INEC should immediately release and implement it’s report and delineate the units and wards before election will take place.”
Gbenekama threatened that the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency will make the nation pay dearly if their rights are trampled upon by INEC or any other institution.
“You do, you die. You nor do, you die. I am appealing to Federal Government, INEC to come and complete your job”
He noted that they’re the only people that can stop oil production in this part of the country as wrongly claimed by their neighbours in their threats. “90% of what Nigeria lives on is on our land.”
Other Ijaw and Urhobo leaders also spoke on the matter as they called on INEC to do the needful before issues get out of hand with laws broken.
