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The Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency have said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is undermining the Supreme Court’s order on the delineation of polling units and wards in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.
According to them, as a result, there will be no election in Warri Federal Constituency in 2027.
At a world press conference held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, the people expressed dissatisfaction with INEC over what they described as the commission’s failure to release and implement the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of electoral wards in the area.
Chief Victor Okumagba and High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, representatives of Okere-Urhobo and Gbaramatu Kingdoms, signed the statement on behalf of the people.
The stakeholders recalled that the Supreme Court, in Suit No. SC/413/2016, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency following concerns over irregularities, including the existence of what were described as “fictitious wards” and imbalances in voter distribution.
They said that although INEC carried out the delineation exercise and presented a draft report to stakeholders in Asaba in April 2025, the commission has yet to release or implement the final report.
“One year after the presentation, INEC has not published the final report but has instead commenced electoral processes in violation of the Supreme Court judgment,” the group stated.
The Ijaw and Urhobo representatives argued that proceeding with the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise without implementing the delineation report raises serious legal and procedural concerns.
They maintained that the Supreme Court directive implies that the credibility of future elections in the constituency depends on the completion and implementation of the delineation process.
Citing legal precedents, the group noted that any electoral activity conducted on what they described as a flawed structure could be invalid.
The stakeholders also traced the roots of the dispute to historical grievances, including alleged irregularities in the 1999 electoral framework, which they said contributed to past conflicts in Warri between Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri communities.
They referenced admissions in INEC’s 1998–1999 report acknowledging lapses in ward delineation and electoral processes.
The group further alleged that the continued delay in implementing the report raises concerns about possible external influence and institutional compromise, warning that such actions could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
“This situation risks disenfranchising the Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people and undermining their participation in the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.
They called on INEC to immediately release and implement the delineation report to ensure fairness, equity, and compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.
The stakeholders also urged the federal government, civil society organisations, and the international community to intervene to safeguard democratic principles and prevent a recurrence of past conflicts in the region.
While expressing frustration over the situation, the group emphasised that the issue must be addressed urgently to avoid further tension and ensure peaceful and credible elections.
INEC is yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
