Warri constituency delineation rejection as ILOT opposes INEC’s new ward and polling unit proposal, alleging flawed data and irregularities
The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT, have rejected the fresh delineation of wards, polling units, state constituencies, and an additional federal constituency proposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the Warri Federal Constituency.
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The rejection was contained in a detailed statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary of ILOT, Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, who faulted the electoral body’s recent fieldwork and GIS mapping exercise.
Warri constituency delineation rejection follows INEC’s presentation of its updated proposal to stakeholders in Asaba on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
ILOT described the exercise as being based on what it called previously rejected and disputed data, insisting that the foundation of the report lacked credibility and constitutional backing.
The group argued that the proposed delineation does not comply with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC’s own guidelines governing ward and polling unit creation.
While acknowledging parts of the proposal, including the creation of additional constituencies, ILOT maintained that the composition of the new structure was fundamentally flawed.
According to the group, reliance on unofficial population estimates, aerial interpretations, and what it described as artificially constructed community frameworks undermines the legitimacy of the exercise.
ILOT further referenced a Supreme Court judgment in Suit No. SC/143/2016, which ordered a fresh delineation in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North, stressing that the ruling did not invalidate existing wards or voter registers.
The organisation also accused INEC of exceeding its administrative mandate by engaging in what it described as territorial and demographic classifications beyond electoral responsibilities.
It further raised concerns over technical inconsistencies in polling unit coordinates, alleging that some locations were mapped to rivers, forests, and even neighbouring states.
ILOT called on the Federal Government to investigate the process and ensure accountability where irregularities are found, while stating that formal objections had already been submitted to INEC and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Despite its rejection, the group urged all stakeholders to maintain peace and avoid actions that could destabilise the region, insisting that disputes must be resolved through lawful and democratic means.
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ILOT reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional order, fairness, and peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups within the Warri Federal Constituency.
