A prominent Isoko political youth group has issued a stern call for the immediate suspension of the ongoing ward delineation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta South Senatorial District, warning that the process could destabilize the fragile ethnic harmony in the region.
Speaking during a press briefing in Asaba on Monday, leaders of the Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought accused unnamed political actors of orchestrating a plan to alter the region’s longstanding ethnic balance for strategic advantage ahead of the 2031 governorship elections.
Chairman of the group, Comrade Daniel Omoraro, flanked by Secretary Comrade Oviomahigho Henry and other members, alleged that the current delineation exercise disproportionately favors one ethnic group, a move they say threatens to politically sideline both the Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic nationalities.
“The ward delineation exercise in Warri metropolis has taken a turn that, if not suspended or better managed by the Federal Government, may result in a breakdown of the peace that has prevailed over the region for decades,” Omoraro stated.
Delta South Senatorial District, made up predominantly of the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic groups, collectively known as the “Three I’s”, has historically enjoyed a delicate balance of political representation. Past leaders from the district include former Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (Itsekiri) and former Deputy Governor Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (Ijaw).
However, the group warned that current developments point to an emerging political strategy designed to marginalize the Itsekiri and, by extension, the Isoko people. They view this as a threat to the collective political aspirations of the district, particularly as the state’s governorship is expected to rotate back to Delta South in 2031.
“If this permutation scales through, the level playing field that could give room for Isokos producing a governor becomes jeopardized,” said the group.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and INEC to immediately intervene by suspending the delineation process and closely monitoring political activities in the region.
They also urged the presidency to preserve the existing ethnic equilibrium that has ensured stability in the Niger Delta.
“We will not accept any arrangement that seeks to diminish the political standing of any of the Three I’s. If one group is sidelined or empowered to outvote the others, the fragile balance we’ve preserved over the years will collapse, creating fertile ground for ethnic conflict,” the group warned.
They further appealed to Urhobo stakeholders to resist being used as instruments in what they described as “divisive plots” against other ethnic groups in Delta State.
“We see the Urhobos as our closest kin in Delta State, and it is hence unfair that some elements within their circle are being used as tools in this hatched plan to disrupt the peace,” the statement read.
The group which reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership, commended him for maintaining peace and progress in Nigeria over the past two years.
The press statement was jointly signed by Comrades Daniel Omoraro, Oviomahigho Henry, Godwin Elohozino, Kokori Gift, and Prosper Evioghene.
