“Why We Will Boycott The 2027 Elections If INEC Fail To Implement The Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Report”__

By Ebiowei Gabriel

Warri, Delta State______ A group under the auspices of Protectors Of Ijaw, Urhobo Heritage In Warri Federal Constituency, has made a strong worded press statement directed at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over what the it described as deliberate delay in the implementation of the Supreme Court Ordered Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Report by INEC.

The group made the statement in the early hours of today Sunday 1st March, 2026, which was signed by It’s National Coordinator Pastor Benjamin Okeoghene. Where the group revealed that INEC’s continuous delay in implementing the Supreme Court Ordered Delineation report is already fanning a possible inter-ethnic conflict amongst the Ijaws, Urhobos and the Itsekiris in Warri Federal constituency. Which according to the group might plunge Warri into another phase of economic decay.

Details Of The Statement Below:

We the people of Warri Federal Constituency — particularly the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities — stand today at a defining moment in our democratic history. The issue before us is not partisan. It is not personal. It is constitutional, existential, and fundamental to justice.

At the center of this matter is the long-awaited ward delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in compliance with court directives and constitutional provisions. That report represents more than lines drawn on a map — it represents the correction of historical imbalances in political representation within Warri Federal Constituency.

If that report is not implemented before the 2027 general elections, many Ijaw and Urhobo leaders, stakeholders, and concerned citizens believe participation in such elections would amount to legitimizing structural injustice.

1. Delineation Is A Constitutional Obligation, Not A Political Favor

Section 73 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers INEC to conduct periodic review of electoral wards and constituencies to ensure fairness based on population and equity.

For years, concerns have been raised about disproportionate ward allocations within Warri Federal Constituency. Allegations of imbalance in representation have fueled tension, mistrust, and recurring disputes.

The delineation report is therefore not optional. It is a constitutional corrective mechanism. To delay or refuse implementation would undermine constitutional compliance and weaken public trust in the electoral system.

2. Representation Without Equity Is Democratic Exclusion

Democracy is built on the principle of equal representation. When ward structures do not reflect demographic realities, it affects:

Distribution of political power Access to elective offices Allocation of public resources Grassroots political participation

For the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency, this issue goes beyond politics. It touches on identity, dignity, and fairness.

Participating in another election cycle under a structure that is confirmed to be illegal and unjust by the Supreme Court of the Country would mean accepting continued marginalization.

3. Peace And Stability Depend On Justice

Warri has a complex and sensitive history of inter-ethnic tensions. Stability in the region has often depended on deliberate efforts to ensure fairness and balance among ethnic nationalities.

Implementing The Delineation Report Before 2027 Would:

Reduce political suspicion Prevent avoidable conflict Strengthen inter-ethnic harmony Reinforce confidence in federal institutions

Failure to do so risks reopening wounds that many have worked tirelessly to heal.

4. Boycott As A Democratic Protest

Election boycott is not an act of rebellion — it is a recognized form of democratic protest when communities believe the electoral framework is unjust.

The Ijaws and Urhobos are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for compliance with lawful directives and implementation of a completed process.

If elections are conducted under a structure many perceive as inequitable, participation could be seen as endorsing the status quo.

5. A Call For Urgent Action

The appeal is simple:

The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) Must:

Publicly clarify the status of the delineation report Provide a clear implementation timeline Ensure transparency in stakeholder engagement Complete all necessary administrative adjustments well before 2027

Time is of the essence. Electoral preparations for 2027 will begin long before the election year itself. Any delay narrows the window for peaceful resolution.

Conclusion: Justice Before Ballots

The position being expressed by many stakeholders within the Ijaw and Urhobo communities is not rooted in confrontation — it is rooted in constitutional expectation.

Elections must not only be conducted; they must be credible, inclusive, and structurally fair.

The Choices Before INEC Is clear:

Implement the delineation report and strengthen democracy. Or risk widespread disenchantment and possible boycott that could undermine the legitimacy of the 2027 elections in Warri Federal Constituency.

Democracy thrives where justice is visible.

The time to act is now.

Signed:

Pastor Benjamin Okeoghene,

National Coordinator Protectors Of Ijaw, Urhobo Heritage In Warri Federal Constituency.

Comrade Elvis Pere-egbe,

National Secretary General

Comrade Marvis Ebimiensinde,

National Spokesman.