Indigenous Urhobo and Ijaw people of Warri Federal Constituency on Monday rejected the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, insisting that it is illegal without the implementation of the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of electoral wards.
At a world press conference held at No. 5 Swap Road, GRA, Warri, the leaders, in a statement read by Chief Victor Okumagba, said they were “profoundly saddened” by the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release and implement the report of the delineation exercise already conducted in compliance with the apex court judgment.
“You will recall that on August 25, 2025, we addressed the world on INEC’s disgraceful and irresponsible refusal to release and implement the already conducted fresh delineation of electoral wards in Warri territory,” Okumagba said.
“Today, we are profoundly saddened as we convene once more—perhaps for the final time—to draw your attention to the same matter as we approach the 2027 general elections.”
The group traced the root of the crisis to the 1999 transition to civil rule, alleging that electoral wards in Warri Federal Constituency were skewed against the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people.
Quoting from INEC’s own report, the leaders noted: “We are not unaware that some of the previous exercises did not follow relevant laws and guidelines, resulting in skewed results… designed to satisfy certain selfish interests.”
They added that the failure to correct those imbalances led to the Warri crises between 1997–1999 and 2002–2003.
On the legal basis of their demand, the group cited the Supreme Court judgment in Suit No. SC/413/2016, which ordered INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri South-West, Warri South, and Warri North Local Government Areas.
“The Supreme Court ordered INEC to conduct a fresh delineation for the purpose of future elections,” Okumagba said.
According to the group, although INEC carried out the exercise and presented a draft report to stakeholders on April 4, 2025, the commission has yet to release and implement the final report.
“One year after the presentation, INEC has not published the final report but has instead commenced another electoral process in violation of the Supreme Court judgment,” he said.
The leaders maintained that, in the eyes of the law, there are currently no valid electoral wards or polling units in Warri Federal Constituency.
“In the eyes of the law, there are no longer in existence electoral wards and units in Warri until the fresh delineation is concluded and implemented,” Okumagba stated.
“It is criminal, illegal and contemptuous of the Supreme Court judgment for INEC to proceed with voter registration when there are no wards upon which such exercise can stand.”
Citing the legal principle in UAC vs Macfoy (1963), he added: “You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand.”
The group accused INEC of compromising its independence and succumbing to external influence.
“INEC has chosen cowardice over its statutory duty. The delineation is done, the report is ready, yet it has refused to act,” Okumagba said.
“Apparently, the commission has been compromised by forces bent on sustaining minority rule over the majority in Warri territory.”
He warned that the situation threatens democratic participation.
“This betrayal will strip the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of effective participation and representation in the forthcoming general elections. This is tyranny in slow motion,” he said.
The leaders also lamented that previous panels and committees set up to address the Warri crisis were never implemented.
“From the Justice Nnaemeka Agu Commission of 1993 to subsequent committees and peace initiatives, none has been fully implemented. History is about repeating itself,” the statement said.
They warned that continued denial of their political rights could lead to resistance.
“A people denied the ballot and political participation will seek other means. That is not a threat; that is history,” Okumagba said.
The group declared that they have exhausted all legal options, including securing a Supreme Court judgment.
“We have no other option than to take our destiny into our own hands,” he added.
They issued a strong warning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We shall use all possible means necessary to ensure that there is no election in Warri Federal Constituency without the implementation of the delineation,” Okumagba declared.
The leaders called on INEC to immediately release and implement the report, stressing that peace in Warri depends on justice.
“INEC should immediately release and implement the report painstakingly embarked upon by stakeholders. A stitch in time saves nine,” he said.
The statement was endorsed by several leaders across the Ijaw and Urhobo communities, including Dr. Joel Bisina, High Chief Dr. Godspower T.D.A. Gbenekama, Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, Rev. Samuel Ako, Chief Emmanuel Sekondi, Hon. Frank Pukon, and Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori, among others.