The Itsekiri Congress UK (ICUK), the umbrella body representing Itsekiri people in the United Kingdom, has strongly rejected the newly circulating delineation proposal for wards, polling units and constituencies in the Warri Federal Constituency, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of merely repackaging what it described as “heavily flawed and fraudulent” data earlier released in April 2025.
In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and dated May 21, 2026, ICUK stated that after consultations with its legal team, it confirmed that the latest document was the same proposal presented by INEC to stakeholders during a meeting held in Asaba, Delta State, on May 20, 2026.
The statement, signed by the President of ICUK, Mr. Sunny Oritsegbubemi Okuku, and the group’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Norris Orighoye, maintained that the proposal remained unacceptable and failed to address the longstanding grievances of the Itsekiri people. Copies of the petition were also forwarded to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; the Chairman of INEC; the Inspector General of Police; and the National Security Adviser to the President.
ICUK alleged that rather than correcting previous irregularities identified by stakeholders and independent observers, INEC merely “repackaged the exact same errors” contained in the earlier delineation exercise. According to the group, the proposal was built on unofficial population estimates, distorted aerial mappings and “technical absurdities” which allegedly placed polling units in rivers, swamps and forests, while densely populated Itsekiri communities were compressed into oversized wards.
The group further claimed that independent geographic experts had already established that several coordinates contained in the draft were not viable and could not accurately reflect existing settlements within the Warri Federal Constituency. It warned that continued reliance on what it termed manipulated data could further erode public confidence and heighten tensions among communities in the area.
ICUK also accused INEC of allegedly exceeding its constitutional and administrative powers by attempting to alter local government boundaries and redefine historically recognised community names. The group specifically faulted the commission for allegedly replacing names earlier affirmed by the Supreme Court, citing the example of Okerenghigho, which it said was being referred to as “Okerenkoko” in the proposal.
According to the diaspora organisation, INEC’s constitutional responsibility is limited to the administration of elections and does not extend to boundary adjustments or reinterpretation of settled legal and historical matters. It further alleged that parts of the proposal sought to extend the boundaries of the Warri Federal Constituency into neighbouring local government areas and even beyond Delta State, an action it described as fundamentally fraudulent and unacceptable.
The group also called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to investigate the alleged attack on Itsekiri youths who recently travelled to Abuja for a peaceful protest at the INEC headquarters. ICUK alleged that the protesting youths were attacked by suspected hooligans and thugs during the demonstration and called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice.
While warning that it was prepared to pursue legal action if necessary, ICUK called on INEC to immediately withdraw the draft and commence a transparent and lawful delineation process based on validated census figures, official voter registers, existing court judgments and legally recognised community names.
The organisation stressed that fairness, equity and strict adherence to the rule of law remain the only path to lasting peace, justice and peaceful coexistence in the Warri Federal Constituency and the wider Niger Delta region.