Tensions are simmering in Delta State as the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups of Warri Federal Constituency have accused the Itsekiri community of orchestrating a campaign to manipulate Nigeria’s electoral boundaries through political influence and familial ties.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the two major groups warned against what they described as “unpatriotic and unconstitutional” efforts by the Itsekiris to sway President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
They argued that attempts to exploit Mrs Tinubu’s maternal ties to the Itsekiri for political advantage were “archaic, unjustified and dangerous,” cautioning that such actions risk undermining national unity and the independence of democratic institutions.
The Ijaw and Urhobo leaders also accused Mrs Daisy Danjuma, wife of retired General T.Y. Danjuma, of working “clandestinely” with Itsekiri interests to influence the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in a bid to overturn a Supreme Court ruling on electoral delineation.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision delivered on 2 December 2022, had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh delineation of wards and polling units across Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West LGAs — the areas that constitute the Warri Federal Constituency.
That ruling, the statement said, is “sacrosanct, conspicuous, and now legal,” stressing that any attempt to circumvent it would amount to a subversion of justice and an affront to Nigeria’s constitutional order.
“It is no longer news that the Supreme Court was clear in its judgement. Without compliance, no election should hold in Warri Federal Constituency. INEC must be allowed to act freely,” the leaders stated.
They claimed that the Itsekiri community, despite making up a minority of the local population, had been disproportionately favoured in previous delineation exercises. According to the statement, the Itsekiris number fewer than 10,000 but were allegedly allocated 21 wards — a figure described as “over generous”.
Accusing the Itsekiris of engaging in “ethnic baiting” by leveraging First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s heritage, the groups asserted that “Mrs Tinubu is the Mother of the Nation, not the mother of one tribe.” They urged her to remain neutral and warned against reducing her office to a tool of tribal politics.
“Her role transcends ethnic and regional politics. Any attempt to exploit her maternal origins undermines the sanctity of her office,” they said.
The statement also condemned attempts to pressure the President through the NSA, questioning why the security body is involved in electoral matters.
“What does the NSA have to do with INEC?” they asked, citing concerns that covert efforts are being made to influence the electoral body’s independence.
The communities further alleged that a known Itsekiri gun-runner, said to have links to the traditional Itsekiri leadership, was recently arrested with high-grade weapons. They criticised what they called a “cover-up,” warning that selective justice could destabilise the region.
Despite these tensions, the Ijaw and Urhobo leaders maintained their commitment to peace and democratic engagement, warning however that they should not be mistaken for being weak.
“We have the capacity to shut down over 30 oil facilities in a day, but we choose the path of peace. We will not be bullied,” they declared.
They concluded with a stern appeal to INEC to remain resolute and for the President to steer clear of the delineation process, reminding all parties that the only constitutional path for dispute resolution remains the courts.
“Mr President, a stitch in time saves nine. Let the right action be taken in the interest of peace,” the statement said .
