The Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups of Warri Federal Constituency have announced their boycott of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must first implement the Supreme Court-mandated delineation of electoral wards and units in the constituency.
The groups, drawn from Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, staged a peaceful protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Warri Federal Constituency: No Ward, No Units for CVR,” and “INEC, Give Us the Final Report.”
Spokesman of the groups, Chief David Reje of the Egbema Clan in Warri North, accused INEC of conducting the exercise under a “defunct arrangement” that had already been nullified by the Supreme Court. He argued that despite INEC’s compliance fieldwork and stakeholder consultations, the commission has failed to release and implement the new delineation report.
“Our patience and cooperation are being taken for granted as machinery has been set in place to disenfranchise us from participating in future elections,” Reje warned. “We can no longer wait while our democratic rights guaranteed by the Constitution and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court judgment are being eroded.”
The protesters, who described the demonstration as the “second phase” of their non-violent struggle, cautioned that they could not guarantee continued restraint from their people if INEC failed to act. They demanded that the CVR in Warri Federal Constituency should only proceed after the Supreme Court judgment has been fully implemented.
Responding, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdulzuru, assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed. He commended their peaceful approach and acknowledged receipt of their petition.
“I have listened carefully to your demands and read through your submission. I will tender the documents to the commission,” Abdulzuru said, emphasizing that INEC remains a law-abiding institution with no intention of disenfranchising any group.
Prominent leaders who signed the petition include Dr. Joel Bisina, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, Chief John Eramvor, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Chief Sylvester Femi Okumagba, Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, Chief Wilson Ogbodu, Chief Emmanuel Serondi, and Chief Mrs. Ann Gagiyovwi (JP). Others include Rev. Samuel Ako, Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP), Hon. Frank Pukon, Chief Mrs. Vero Emmanuel Tangbewei, and Comrade Mrs. Margaret Ikinbor.
