Isoko Youth Group Alleges Warri Ward Delineation Plot to Destabilize Delta South Ahead of 2031 Elections

•call for outright cancellations

The Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT), has raised the alarm over the controversy surrounding the ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, expressing concerns that the delineation is a calculated attempt to alter the political structure of the Delta South Senatorial district to benefit one ethnic group, particularly ahead of the 2031 governorship elections.

Addressing a press conference in Asaba, the state capital, on Monday, ISOPLOT call for outright cancellation of the proposed ward delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

ISOPLOT hinged the call on the fact; “this exercise could destabilize the long-standing ethnic harmony within the Delta South Senatorial District”.

Chairman of the group, Comrade Daniel Omoraro, who spoke on behalf of other youth leaders, emphasized that the delineation exercise if allowed to stand could destroy the political balance enjoyed in the Delta South Senatorial District and re-ignite tensions among the district’s three dominant ethnic nationalities: the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaw, commonly referred to as the “Three i’s.”

Omoraro stated that the ward delineation exercise in Warri metropolis has taken a turn that, if not canceled or better managed by the Federal Government, may result in the breakdown of peace that has prevailed for decades.

“The Warri metropolis which houses predominantly Itsekiris, Ijaws, and small population of Urhobos, is an integral part of the Delta South Senatorial District; which is shared largely by the three ethnic groups: Isoko, Itsekiri and Ijaws.

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“These ethnic nationalities popularly known as the three I’s have beyond their economic romance, enjoyed harmonious political relations over the years. This political harmony has seen the Senatorial district produce, a Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan (Itsekiri), and a Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (Ijaw)”.

Omoraro alleged that currently certain political actors are intentionally undermining the existing ethnic power-sharing arrangement by pushing ward delineation that favor one group.

He warned that the Isoko people, in particular, stand to lose the most if the current “permutation” is upheld, jeopardizing the level playing field that could allow for an Isoko governor.

The pan-Isoko political youth group stressed that any plan to politically isolate one of the ‘Three i’s’, especially the Itsekiri, who they believe are currently being targeted, would ultimately erode the foundation of mutual respect and cooperation that has sustained peace in the Niger Delta for years.

The group therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and INEC to: “Cancel the delineation exercise in Warri, closely monitor political activities in Delta South and the Niger Delta, preserve the ethnic balance that has maintained regional stability and discourage political appointments and alliances that are intended to marginalize any ethnic group.”

ISOPLOT “also calls upon our Urhobo brothers and sisters to refrain from being used as instruments in what we describe as divisive political plots, reminding them of their close cultural and linguistic ties with the Isoko people. We find it unfair that some elements within their circle are being used as tools in this plan to disrupt peace.

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“Furthermore, we caution that any Isoko voice opposing our stance should be regarded as working against the collective interest of the Isoko Nation and as a threat to the unity of Delta South”.