- Dispute Over Ward Delineation: Both groups express dissatisfaction with the proposed wards, citing unfair representation and demographic disparities.
- Okere-Urhobo Kingdom Concerns: They claim underrepresentation, demanding at least four wards to reflect their sizable voter base.
- Itsekiri Nation Objections: They reject INEC’s proposal, arguing it fails to reflect their population and voter strength, undermining their voting power.
- Comparative Disparities: In Warri North, Itsekiris have 75,912 registered voters and 134 polling units but were allocated eight wards, while Ijaws with 35,480 voters and 58 polling units received 10 wards.
- Threat of Legal Action: The Itsekiri Nation threatens to challenge the exercise in court if implemented.
- Protests and Consequences: Itsekiri youths shut down an oil facility in Ogidigben, producing 28,000 barrels daily, and vow to continue protesting until INEC reverses the ward delineation.
The Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and Itsekiri Nation are embroiled in a dispute over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent ward delineation report in Delta State. Both groups have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed wards, citing unfair representation and demographic disparities.
The Okere-Urhobo Kingdom claims they’ve been allocated only one ward despite having a substantial population and landmass. They demand at least four wards to reflect their sizable voter base. The kingdom argues that their population density and voting strength warrant more wards, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment. Leaders also point out irregularities in the process, stating that their areas were not properly captured.
The Itsekiri Nation rejects INEC’s proposal, arguing that it fails to reflect their population and voter strength. They claim the delineation undermines their voting power. In Warri North, for instance, Itsekiris have 75,912 registered voters and 134 polling units but were allocated eight wards, while Ijaws with 35,480 voters and 58 polling units received 10 wards. The Itsekiri Nation has threatened to challenge the exercise in court if implemented.
The dispute has led to protests, with Itsekiri youths shutting down an oil facility in Ogidigben, Warri South West Local Government Area, which produces about 28,000 barrels of crude oil daily. The youths vow to continue protesting until INEC reverses the ward delineation, which they describe as an “anomaly”.
