The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it has not yet made a final decision on the delineation of wards in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State. The clarification comes amid protests and growing tension from some members of the affected communities who are unhappy with the draft proposal.
On Wednesday, a group of protesters stormed INEC headquarters in Abuja, rejecting the proposed redrawing of political wards in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, which make up the Warri Federal Constituency. The protesters expressed concerns that the delineation process was unfair and could lead to political marginalisation of certain groups.
In response, INEC issued a statement on Thursday to address the concerns and clear the air. According to Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, the Commission is still in the process of consultation and review, and has not reached any final conclusion on the matter.
“Contrary to the speculations making the rounds, the Commission is yet to take a final decision on the delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency,” Olumekun said.
The ongoing ward delineation exercise in Warri is being carried out in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 2, 2022. In that judgment, the apex court directed INEC to review and update the ward boundaries in the Warri Federal Constituency to reflect current realities and ensure fairness in representation.
This directive followed long-standing complaints, especially from minority groups in the area, who argued that the current ward structure favoured one ethnic group over others. The controversy around the delineation reflects the complex ethnic and political dynamics in Warri, where the Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw communities have often disagreed over resource sharing and political representation.
Following the Supreme Court order, INEC initiated a comprehensive process to implement the judgment.
“Following the Supreme Court judgment, the Commission embarked on extensive consultations from February 2023 to July 2024 involving all the critical stakeholders,” Olumekun explained.
He said that after these consultations, fieldwork was carried out in all the communities across the three LGAs. The data and information gathered were used to prepare a draft report, which was shared with representatives of the various communities and interest groups.
As part of efforts to ensure transparency and fairness, INEC held another round of consultations with stakeholders in Warri on Friday, April 4, 2025. At the meeting, the draft report was presented to all parties involved for their review and input.
“The purpose was to give them the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have,” the INEC statement said. “The overall objective was to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved.”
The Commission emphasized that the draft report was not the final decision, but a working document meant to guide further dialogue.
Olumekun urged all parties to remain calm and continue to engage peacefully with the Commission. He called on the representatives of the various stakeholder groups to submit their observations and recommendations on the draft report, which would help guide INEC’s next steps.
“We are committed to a fair and inclusive process,” Olumekun stated. “We encourage all concerned parties to provide their feedback in good faith, as this will help us reach a decision that reflects the interests of all.”
INEC’s assurance is aimed at reducing the tension that has been building up in Warri over fears of political exclusion, especially among the minority ethnic groups. Some community leaders have voiced suspicion that the delineation exercise could be manipulated to favour certain groups over others.
Ward delineation refers to the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral wards to reflect changes in population and settlement patterns. In Nigeria, this responsibility lies with INEC, and it is supposed to be carried out regularly to ensure equal representation. However, in practice, such reviews are rare and often delayed due to political sensitivity.
In areas like Warri, where multiple ethnic groups coexist and contest for political power, ward delineation becomes a highly emotional and contentious issue. A slight shift in ward boundaries could influence election outcomes, access to public services, and allocation of development projects.
This is why the current process is being watched closely not just in Delta State but across the country. Observers see it as a test of INEC’s ability to manage difficult political issues and deliver on its constitutional mandate without bias.
The final outcome of the Warri ward delineation will have significant political implications. With general elections set for 2027, any changes in the structure of wards could affect the political fortunes of different parties and candidates in the area. The Warri Federal Constituency has long been a political hotspot in Delta State, and tensions often rise around issues of zoning, representation, and resource control.
INEC’s decision, when it comes, will need to balance legal compliance, ethnic sensitivities, and democratic fairness. Political observers say the Commission must ensure that no group feels cheated or sidelined.
With the draft report now in the hands of stakeholders, INEC says it will continue to receive and review feedback. The final report will only be released after all concerns have been addressed and consensus has been reached where possible.
INEC has not provided a specific timeline for the release of the final ward structure but has assured that it is committed to completing the process in line with the law and best practices.
In the meantime, the Commission is calling for restraint, urging residents and community leaders in Warri to avoid spreading misinformation or taking actions that could inflame tensions.
As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections draw closer, issues like these highlight the importance of trust in electoral institutions. All eyes will remain on INEC to see how it navigates this delicate process and whether it can deliver a decision that promotes unity, fairness, and peace in one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive regions.
