ASABA/Nigeria: The Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT) has called for the immediate cancellation of the recent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, describing it as a move capable of destabilizing the longstanding ethnic balance in Delta South Senatorial District.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Asaba, the group accused INEC of attempting to alter the political structure of the region to the advantage of a particular ethnic group ahead of the 2031 governorship election.
Speaking on behalf of ISOPLOT, the chairman, Comrade Daniel Omoraro, warned that the exercise, if allowed to stand, could disrupt the peace among the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nationalities, collectively known as the “Three i’s”, that has been sustained for decades.
“The ward delineation exercise in Warri metropolis has taken a dangerous turn that, if not cancelled or better managed by the Federal Government, may result in the breakdown of peace that has prevailed in the region for some decades now,” Omoraro cautioned.
He alleged that the boundary adjustments were part of a calculated plot by certain political actors to undermine the existing ethnic power-sharing arrangement and tilt the political balance in favour of one group.
“This move is aimed at conquest, and Isoko is most affected. If it scales through, the level playing field that could give room for Isokos producing a governor becomes jeopardized,” he said.
Omoraro further warned that any attempt to politically isolate the Itsekiri or any of the ‘Three i’s’ would erode the foundation of mutual respect that has kept the Niger Delta stable.
ISOPLOT urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and INEC to cancel the exercise, monitor political activities in Delta South closely, and ensure that no group is marginalized in future political arrangements.
The group also appealed to their Urhobo neighbours to resist being used as instruments in divisive plots that could destroy regional unity.
“It is unfair that some elements within their circle are being used as tools in this hatched plan to disrupt the peace,” the group stated.
ISOPLOT concluded by warning that any Isoko voice opposing its position should be seen as working against the collective interest of the Isoko Nation and posing a threat to the unity of Delta South.
