Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths Stage Peaceful Protest Against INEC Over Alleged Fraudulent Ward Delineation

Call for Immediate Reversal of Exercise Described as Land Grabbing Plot

The Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (U.I.Y), led by their President, Comrade Joseph Okotie, on Monday staged a peaceful reminder protest to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the commission to immediately discard what they described as a fraudulent and provocative ward delineation exercise allegedly designed to steal Itsekiri land.

The youths, carrying placards and banners with inscriptions demanding justice and fairness, emphasized that the protest was peaceful and aimed solely at drawing national attention to what they termed a systematic attempt to undermine the territorial integrity and political existence of the Itsekiri people.

According to the protesters, the ward delineation exercise failed to follow due process, historical realities, and constitutional provisions governing electoral boundary adjustments.
Allegations of Deliberate Manipulation.

Addressing journalists during the protest, Comrade Joseph Okotie accused unnamed interests of deliberately manipulating the ward delineation process to favor other groups at the expense of the Itsekiri people.

“This exercise was not done in good faith. It was deliberately manipulated to steal Itsekiri land and alter our political representation. We are saying clearly that Itsekiri people will not accept injustice disguised as electoral reform,” Okotie stated.

The Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths called on INEC to immediately suspend and discard the disputed delineation and commence a fresh process that is transparent, inclusive, and respectful of historical boundaries.

The youth body warned that failure by INEC to address their concerns could further heighten tensions in the area, stressing that peace can only be sustained when justice and fairness prevail.

“We believe in peace, but peace must be built on justice.
Ignoring our legitimate grievances will only deepen mistrust,” the group cautioned.
Commitment to Peaceful Advocacy
Despite their strong position, the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful advocacy and lawful engagement, urging the federal government and relevant authorities to intervene before the situation deteriorates.

They concluded by reiterating that the Itsekiri people remain resolute in defending their land, identity, and political rights within the Nigerian state.