WARRI DELINEATION: Abraye Blasts Ayiri Emami, Itsekiri Propagandists Over Claims Of Inclusion Of Ondo, Edo Communities To Warri Federal Constituency By INEC During Delineation Exercise, Demands For Proof -

By Esther David

The National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), Comrade Freeborn Abraye, has strongly condemned what he described as a “reckless campaign of falsehood” being championed by Mr. Ayiri Emami and some Itsekiri elements over the recent ward delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Warri Federal Constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, Abraye categorically dismissed claims that communities from Ondo State and Edo State were added to Warri Federal Constituency in favour of Ijaw communities, describing the allegation as “a blatant lie lacking any factual, legal, or administrative foundation.”

“Let Ayiri Emami and his co-travellers come forward with credible, verifiable documents to support their claims. If indeed any community from Ondo or Edo State was added to Warri Federal Constituency, they should present official recognition from those state governments. Anything short of that is nothing but propaganda,” Abraye stated.

He emphasized that all communities delineated by INEC as part of the Ijaw areas are legitimate Delta State communities, fully recognized by the Delta State Government, participating in state elections, and benefiting from state resources like every other community.

“These communities vote in Delta State, they are governed by Delta State, and they receive allocations from Delta State. It is therefore absurd and intellectually dishonest for anyone to suddenly label them as Ondo or Edo communities simply because the truth no longer favours their narrative,” he added.

Abraye further noted that Nigeria’s constitutional structure clearly defines state boundaries, making it impossible for communities to be arbitrarily moved or added across states without due constitutional processes.

“There are clearly established boundaries between Delta, Ondo, and Edo States. No amount of noise, blackmail, or propaganda can change geographical facts. The governments of Ondo and Edo States themselves have never claimed these communities, because they know the truth—they are Delta communities,” he said.

The NDAPDEJ Coordinator described the ongoing claims by Itsekiri actors as a desperate attempt to undermine the outcome of a lawful process ordered by the Supreme Court and executed by INEC.

“What we are witnessing is panic. The delineation exercise has exposed years of manipulation, distortion, and false narratives about majority status in Warri Federal Constituency. Now that the truth is out, some persons are resorting to misinformation to discredit the process,” Abraye declared.

He reiterated the demographic reality as revealed by credible data and the delineation outcome:

Ijaws are the undisputed majority in Warri South West Local Government Area
Ijaws are the undisputed majority in Warri North Local Government Area
Urhobos are the Undisputed majority in Warri South Local Government Area

“The era where figures were manufactured to create a false impression of dominance is over. With the introduction of BVAS, the truth can no longer be manipulated. Those who once claimed outrageous voting strength are now unable to defend those figures under a transparent system,” he said.

Abraye warned against attempts to incite tension in the region through misinformation and called on relevant authorities and the public to disregard such claims.

“Nigerians must not allow themselves to be misled by desperate actors seeking cheap political advantage. The delineation report reflects reality, not fiction. No amount of propaganda can overturn facts,” he warned.

He concluded by reaffirming NDAPDEJ’s commitment to truth and justice.

“We will continue to stand firm in defence of truth, equity, and justice. Attempts to rewrite history or distort facts for political gain will be resisted at all levels.”

Signed:
Comrade Freeborn Abraye
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ).