{"id":5499,"date":"2026-03-01T19:16:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T19:16:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/03\/01\/why-we-will-boycott-the-2027-elections-if-inec-fail-to-implement-the-warri-federal-constituency-delineation-report___says-ijaw-urhobo-coalition-group\/"},"modified":"2026-03-01T19:16:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T19:16:24","slug":"why-we-will-boycott-the-2027-elections-if-inec-fail-to-implement-the-warri-federal-constituency-delineation-report___says-ijaw-urhobo-coalition-group","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/03\/01\/why-we-will-boycott-the-2027-elections-if-inec-fail-to-implement-the-warri-federal-constituency-delineation-report___says-ijaw-urhobo-coalition-group\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cWhy We Will Boycott The 2027 Elections If INEC Fail To Implement The Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Report\u201d___Says Ijaw, Urhobo Coalition Group"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Ebiowei Gabriel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">The group made the statement in the early hours of today Sunday 1st March, 2026, which was signed by It\u2019s National Coordinator Pastor Benjamin Okeoghene. Where the group revealed that INEC\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Details Of The Statement Below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">We the people of Warri Federal Constituency \u2014 particularly the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">At the center of this matter is the long-awaited ward delineation exercise conducted by the <a href=\"chatgpt:\/\/generic-entity?number=0\" rel=\"nofollow\">Independent National Electoral Commission<\/a> (INEC) in compliance with court directives and constitutional provisions. That report represents more than lines drawn on a map \u2014 it represents the correction of historical imbalances in political representation within Warri Federal Constituency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Delineation Is A Constitutional Obligation, Not A Political Favor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Representation Without Equity Is Democratic Exclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Democracy is built on the principle of equal representation. When ward structures do not reflect demographic realities, it affects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\">Distribution of political power Access to elective offices Allocation of public resources Grassroots political participation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">For the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency, this issue goes beyond politics. It touches on identity, dignity, and fairness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Peace And Stability Depend On Justice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Implementing The Delineation Report Before 2027 Would:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\">Reduce political suspicion Prevent avoidable conflict Strengthen inter-ethnic harmony Reinforce confidence in federal institutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Failure to do so risks reopening wounds that many have worked tirelessly to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Boycott As A Democratic Protest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Election boycott is not an act of rebellion \u2014 it is a recognized form of democratic protest when communities believe the electoral framework is unjust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">The Ijaws and Urhobos are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for compliance with lawful directives and implementation of a completed process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">If elections are conducted under a structure many perceive as inequitable, participation could be seen as endorsing the status quo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. A Call For Urgent Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">The appeal is simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) Must:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion: Justice Before Ballots<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">The position being expressed by many stakeholders within the Ijaw and Urhobo communities is not rooted in confrontation \u2014 it is rooted in constitutional expectation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Elections must not only be conducted; they must be credible, inclusive, and structurally fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Choices Before INEC Is clear:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1 wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Democracy thrives where justice is visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">The time to act is now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pastor Benjamin Okeoghene,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National Coordinator Protectors Of Ijaw, Urhobo Heritage In Warri Federal Constituency.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Comrade Elvis Pere-egbe,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National Secretary General<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Comrade Marvis Ebimiensinde<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National Spokesman.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Ebiowei Gabriel Warri, Delta State______ A group under the auspices of Protectors Of Ijaw,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4993,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"\u201cWhy We Will Boycott The 2027 Elections If INEC Fail To Implement The Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Report\u201d___Says Ijaw, Urhobo Coalition Group","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[13],"tags":[1838,1145],"class_list":["post-5499","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-why-we-will-boycott-the-2027-elections-if-inec-fail-to-implement-the-warri-federal-constituency-delineation-report___says-ijaw","tag-urhobo-coalition-group"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4803,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/11\/ijaw-urhobo-coalition-group-boycott-inec-cvr-demand-implementation-of-supreme-court-ordered-ward-delineation-in-warri-federal-constituency\/","url_meta":{"origin":5499,"position":0},"title":"Ijaw, Urhobo Coalition Group Boycott INEC CVR, Demand Implementation Of Supreme Court Ordered Ward Delineation In Warri Federal Constituency","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David The Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups of Warri Federal Constituency have declared their boycott of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, demanding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must first implement the final report of the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and units\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Electoral&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Electoral","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/electoral\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/03d29e0c-8522-43df-a322-924a25fc6696-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/03d29e0c-8522-43df-a322-924a25fc6696-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/03d29e0c-8522-43df-a322-924a25fc6696-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/03d29e0c-8522-43df-a322-924a25fc6696-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4361,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/09\/the-crown-you-wear-is-made-of-propaganda-and-colonial-favor___says-ijaw-urhobo-coalition-group\/","url_meta":{"origin":5499,"position":1},"title":"\u201cThe Crown You Wear Is Made Of Propaganda And Colonial Favor\u201d___Says Ijaw, Urhobo Coalition Group To Olu Of Itsekiri","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 9, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin PRESS RELEASE From: Ijaw and Urhobo Stakeholders of Warri Federal ConstituencyTitle: \"ENOUGH OF PROPAGANDA, ENOUGH OF DELAY \u2014 TRUTH AND JUSTICE MUST PREVAIL IN WARRI! PROPAGANDA IS NOT OWNERSHIP \u2014 THE TRUTH CANNOT BE SILENCED! We, the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo peoples of Warri Federal Constituency, rise\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0265-1.jpg?fit=201%2C251&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5628,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/05\/31\/warri-delineation-abraye-urge-inec-to-immediately-implement-recently-released-warri-federal-constituency-final-delineation-report-says-further-delay-will-amount-to-outright-disregard-of-supreme-cour\/","url_meta":{"origin":5499,"position":2},"title":"WARRI DELINEATION: Abraye Urge INEC To Immediately Implement Recently Released Warri Federal Constituency Final Delineation Report, Says Further Delay Will Amount To Outright Disregard Of Supreme Court Judgement, Rule Of Law","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"May 31, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin Comrade Freeborn Abraye, the National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately implement the recently released final delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency. According to Abraye, failure to implement\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_0953.jpg?fit=1052%2C662&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_0953.jpg?fit=1052%2C662&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_0953.jpg?fit=1052%2C662&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_0953.jpg?fit=1052%2C662&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_0953.jpg?fit=1052%2C662&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5631,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/06\/01\/presidency-under-fire-as-ijaw-urhobo-stakeholders-reject-delay-in-implementation-of-warri-federal-constituency-delineation-report\/","url_meta":{"origin":5499,"position":3},"title":"Presidency Under Fire As Ijaw, Urhobo Stakeholders Reject Delay In Implementation Of Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Report","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"June 1, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Fresh controversy has emerged over the implementation of the Supreme Court-backed delineation of Warri Federal Constituency, as indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo stakeholders on Monday openly accused the Presidency of obstructing the process despite INEC's completion of the exercise. The concerns were raised during a peaceful protest held\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_1891.jpg?fit=841%2C580&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_1891.jpg?fit=841%2C580&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_1891.jpg?fit=841%2C580&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_1891.jpg?fit=841%2C580&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3594,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/06\/25\/just-in-ijaw-urhobo-coalition-group-calls-on-inec-to-uphold-rule-of-law-by-releasing-final-report-of-warri-federal-constituency-delineation-exercise\/","url_meta":{"origin":5499,"position":4},"title":"JUST IN: Ijaw, Urhobo Coalition Group Calls On INEC To Uphold Rule Of Law By Releasing Final Report Of Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Exercise","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"June 25, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin PRESS RELEASE Concerned Indigenous Stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency, Warri South Local Government AreaTO: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) CALL FOR THE IMMEDIATE FINALIZATION AND PUBLICATION OF WARD DELINEATION IN WARRI We, the Concerned Indigenous Stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency, write this urgent appeal to the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0238-1.jpg?fit=935%2C578&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0238-1.jpg?fit=935%2C578&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0238-1.jpg?fit=935%2C578&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0238-1.jpg?fit=935%2C578&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4775,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/01\/itsekiri-propaganda-cannot-override-the-supreme-court-order-inec-must-announce-the-final-delineation-result-now___ijaw-urhobo-coalition-group\/","url_meta":{"origin":5499,"position":5},"title":"Itsekiri Propaganda Cannot Override The Supreme Court Order, INEC Must Announce The Final Delineation Result Now___Ijaw, Urhobo Coalition Group","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin OPEN REBUTTAL TO ITSEKIRI NATION\u2019S FALSE PETITION RE: WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, ITSEKIRI PROPAGANDA CANNOT OVERRIDE THE SUPREME COURT. INEC MUST ANNOUNCE THE FINAL DELINEATION RESULT NOW From: Concerned Ijaw & Urhobo Stakeholders of Warri Federal ConstituencyDate: [1\/9\/2025] Introduction: Itsekiri Desperation, Not Justice We have read with disgust\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0325-3-1.jpg?fit=569%2C762&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0325-3-1.jpg?fit=569%2C762&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0325-3-1.jpg?fit=569%2C762&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfDfBE-1qH","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/img_4694-1.jpg?fit=539%2C550&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5499","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5499"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5499\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5499"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5499"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}