July 11, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has expressed deep concern over the recent delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Warri communities, Delta State.
According to the OPC, the exercise was marred by several infractions that suggest bias towards the Ijaw community.
“The Ijaw Community’s intentions seem to be driven by a desire to gain control over Itsekiri oil facilities, which could lead to renewed crises and potentially allow them to take over more communities,” the OPC stated.
This sentiment was expressed in light of ongoing attempts by the Ijaw community to encroach on Itsekiri lands, specifically areas such as Abiteye, Ijahala, and Kantu.
The OPC highlighted several issues with the delineation exercise, including the renaming of Itsekiri communities and their replacement with other local councils.
INEC allegedly included communities from Edo and Ondo states to create units and wards in Itsekiri areas, further exacerbating the perceived bias.
The group also pointed out that INEC’s creation of units on shrines, waters, and forests contradicts its own guidelines.
Moreover, the OPC noted alleged unequal treatment by INEC, where Ijaw areas in Warri South-West Council were fully delineated, while Itsekiri areas were not.
“We fear that if this situation is not addressed, it could escalate into another crisis, threatening the stability and security of the Itsekiri people,” the OPC warned. In light of these concerns, the OPC demanded that INEC prioritizes implementing prior court judgments related to the Warri Federal Constituency.
“Upholding these judgments, adhering to its guidelines and avoiding a repeat of the aforementioned irregularities, remained the only way INEC could conduct another credible delineation exercise, and ensure a fair and transparent process,” the group emphasized.
The OPC calls for a reversal of the delineation exercise to prevent a breakdown of law and order in Itsekiri and Ijaw communities.
