By FOLLOWING sustained protests by the Itsekiri and Urhobo nationalities, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted widespread claims suggesting it has concluded the process of delineating wards in the Warri Federal Constituency, affirming that no final decision has been reached.
In a press statement issued by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee on Thursday, INEC clarified that the ongoing delineation exercise is in compliance with a Supreme Court judgement delivered on 2 December 2022, which directed the Commission to undertake the review in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West local government areas.
Following the court order, INEC embarked on a series of engagements from February 2023 to July 2024, consulting extensively with key stakeholders and conducting thorough field assessments across the affected communities. This process resulted in the production of a preliminary draft report.
On Friday, 4 April 2025, INEC convened another round of consultations in Warri, where the draft report was presented to representatives of the various parties involved.
The aim, according to the Commission, was to gather feedback and address any concerns prior to reaching a consensus.
“The purpose of the meeting was to provide stakeholders an opportunity to raise their observations and contribute to a resolution acceptable to all,” the statement read. “Contrary to ongoing speculations, the Commission has not made any conclusive decision regarding the delineation of wards in the constituency.”
INEC encouraged all stakeholders to formally submit their feedback on the draft report, which will inform the next phase of deliberations.
The Commission also urged restraint, advising all parties to avoid actions that could jeopardise peace and stability in the region.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, equity, and adherence to the rule of law, INEC assured the public that the process would be conducted fairly and inclusively.
Stonix News reports that the newly-defined ward allocations were presented by INEC officials to representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo nationalities.
The breakdown across the LGAs, as gathered, is as follows:
Warri North LGA now comprises 18 wards, with the Ijaw people holding 10 wards and the Itsekiri holding 8.
Warri South-West LGA consists of 19 wards, with the Ijaw dominating 14 wards, while the Itsekiri hold 5.
Warri South LGA features 20 wards distributed among the three major ethnic groups: Ijaw (3), Itsekiri (8), and Urhobo (9).
However, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, during the presentation, had said “The Report of the Fieldwork is a critical cornerstone towards the implementation of the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.”
The comportment and statements of the INEC officials during the presentation in Asaba suggested a finality to the outcome and some underhand dealings.
For instance, when representatives of the three nationalities of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo from the three local government areas were handed the sealed report, they were reportedly instructed not to unseal the document until the event was over.
The aggrieved Itsekiri nationality believes that it was a deliberate and calculated ploy by INEC to avert protests having known the results would not be acceptable to them.
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