A group of concerned Itsekiri has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State.
This followed moves by INEC to commence implementation of the controversial Ward/Constituency Delineation issues affecting the Warri Federal Constituency.
In an Originating Summons in Suit No. SUIT NO. FHC/WR/CS/120/2026 IN RE: A CAUSE TO CHALLENGE THE ACTIONS, DECISIONS OR ACTIVITIES OF THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) IN RELATION TO/CONNECTED WITH THE FOLLOWING: the planned conduct of party primaries in Warri South -West and Warri North State on alleged restored Constituencies; Implementation of INEC report on Delineation of Warri Federal Constituency, they argued that some aspects constitute extra-Judicial exercise of powers and contempt of Court with regards to decided lan disputes.
They contend further that INEC intended actions are inconsistent with the applicable principles and guarantee of fair hearing as contemplated by the provisions of Sections 36, 114 & 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, Section 40 (2) of the Electoral Act, 2026 respectively.
The Suit has Gbubemi Awala, Jonathan Ajofotan, Sunday Asawa and Yemi Otuedon as plaintiffs and INEC, National Assembly and the Attorney -general as defendants respectively.
The matter was filled on behalf of the plaintiffs by Ikomi & Ikomi Chambers.
They plaintiffs are arguing the supposed implementation of the INEC delineation report without first determining stakeholders’ objections; “Apparent disregard of existing judicial decisions touching on boundaries and land disputes; The necessity for compliance with constitutional procedures involving the National Assembly before implementation”, noting that they have accordingly established entitlement to all the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought.
For a while, results of the delineation exercise recently conducted by INEC has caused controversy between the Itsekiri and Ijaw.
The Itsekiri have consistently rejected the outcome of the exercise through different statements and conferences.
