WARRI: INEC is under mounting pressure following its recent ward and polling unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.
This exercise, mandated by the Supreme Court’s December 2022 ruling, has ignited significant controversy among the region’s ethnic communities
The Ijaw and Urhobo communities have strongly criticized the delineation process, alleging that it disproportionately favors the Itsekiri ethnic group.
They argue that the delineation undermines their political representation and violates the Supreme Court’s directive.
In a joint statement, they cautioned INEC against yielding to political pressures and emphasized the need for a fair and transparent process.
Conversely, Itsekiri leaders contend that the delineation unfairly expands Ijaw territories at their expense.
They point to discrepancies in the number of wards and polling units allocated to each ethnic group, asserting that the new boundaries dilute their electoral influence.
They have vowed to resist the implementation of the delineation report, viewing it as a continuation of an Ijaw territorial expansionist agenda.
Legal disputes have further complicated the situation. In March 2025, the Federal High Court dismissed a suit filed by Itsekiri representatives seeking to halt the implementation of the delineation, affirming that the matter had been conclusively addressed by the Supreme Court.
However, the controversy persists, with ongoing debates about the fairness and transparency of the process.
Civil society organizations and local advocacy groups have called on INEC to ensure impartiality and transparency in the delineation process.
They urge the commission to adhere strictly to the Supreme Court’s judgment and to engage all stakeholders equitably to prevent further ethnic tensions and ensure fair representation for all communities in the Warri Federal Constituency.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how INEC will address these concerns and whether further legal or political interventions will arise to resolve the ongoing disputes
