A Federal High Court sitting in Warri has dismissed a suit challenging the planned delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency after upholding preliminary objections raised by the defendants.

The suit, marked FHC/WR/CS/31/2026, was instituted by Chief Westham Adehor and five others of Urhobo ethnic nationality against the Independent National Electoral Commission over issues arising from the proposed delineation exercise and related legal proceedings.

The case took a significant turn when members of the Warri Reclamation Thrust (WRT), acting on behalf of registered voters of Itsekiri ethnic nationality, applied to be joined as defendants in the matter.

The WRT group, led by its convener, Tsaye Edeyibo Mene, alongside Osandatuwa Priscillia, Lily-White Esigbone, Bright Omaghomi, Ogharandukun J. Toju, Adrian Edema, Awala Gbone, Misan Momorin, Uremure Enason, and Edeyibo Utseoritselaju, was granted leave by the court to participate in the proceedings.
Following their joinder, the WRT members aligned with other defendants in challenging the competence of the suit through preliminary objections.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, May 15, 2026, the court upheld the objections and ruled that the plaintiffs’ action was incompetent and could not be sustained.
The defendants argued that the plaintiffs failed to disclose the existence of other pending and previously determined cases relating to the same subject matter. They cited the pending case of Chief Brown Oritseweyinmi Mene & 3 Ors Vs INEC & 15 Ors and Suit No. FHC/ASB/CS/87/2024 between Deinbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor & 3 Ors Vs INEC & 7 Ors, in which judgment had already been delivered.

Lead Counsel to the defendants Chief Ariyo Robinson further contended that the plaintiffs were improperly seeking, through a fresh originating summons, an interpretation of an earlier court judgment, arguing that the procedure was legally incompetent.
In its ruling, the court agreed with the submissions of the defendants and the newly joined WRT members, holding that the suit also sought to challenge a planned election-related exercise.

The court stressed that election matters are sui generis and must be pursued strictly in accordance with procedures prescribed by law.

The judgment is being viewed as a major legal victory for the Itsekiri people, who are widely regarded for their commitment to the rule of law and due process.
Reacting to the judgment, WRT Convener Tsaye Edeyibo described the ruling as “a victory for democracy,” saying it reaffirmed the judiciary’s position on the proper legal framework for handling election-related disputes and delineation matters.