Itsekiri Group Rejects Equal Ward Allocation with Ijaw

The Warri North Itsekiri Rebirth Forum, led by Chairman Hon David Edun, has publicly rejected a proposed ward delineation matrix that allocates 10 wards each to the Itsekiri and Ijaw ethnic groups in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta. The group claims the proposal is fundamentally flawed and does not reflect the demographic strength and electoral realities of the Itsekiri people.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission's 2023 Register of Voters, the Itsekiri have six wards with 134 polling units and 75,912 registered voters, while the Ijaw have four wards with 58 polling units and 34,480 registered voters, indicating a significant voter disparity of 41,432 in favor of the Itsekiri. The forum has called on INEC to explain the methodology behind the equal allocation and urged the National Assembly to scrutinize the proposal before any legislative action.

They also expressed disappointment over individuals claiming to represent the Itsekiri without proper community consultation.