The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State and formally presented its report to stakeholders representing the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nationalities.
The report, presented at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, on Friday, was handed over by the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren.
It was received on behalf of the respective ethnic groups by Chief Victor Okumagba (Urhobo), Dr. Andrew Igban (Itsekiri), and Dr. Joe Bisina (Ijaw).
The delineation exercise was carried out in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 2, 2022, which mandated INEC to review and properly delineate the wards and polling units in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West local government areas.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by Prof. Rhoda Gumus, National Commissioner overseeing Cross River, Delta, and Edo States, commended the communities for their cooperation. He stated that the successful completion of the fieldwork from July 10 to 27, 2024, was a testament to the commitment of the people to democratic values and the credibility of the Commission.
“This is our fifth engagement with the stakeholders since the judgment. We recall that at our last meeting in Warri on July 8, 2024, we agreed to commence the fieldwork, and today, we are proud to present the report,” he said.
Prof. Yakubu also acknowledged the support of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for providing a conducive environment for the exercise.
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In his remarks, REC Sir Etekamba Umoren described the event as a significant milestone in the journey to implement the Supreme Court’s directive. He highlighted the series of stakeholder engagements that preceded the fieldwork, including meetings held on February 15, 2023, March 21, 2024, and July 8, 2024.
“The report is a critical cornerstone toward achieving equitable representation and democratic fairness in the Warri Federal Constituency,” Umoren stated.
A source within the ethnic nationalities disclosed the new ward distribution as Warri North: Ijaw, 10 wards, Itsekiri, 8 wards; Warri South West, Ijaw, 15 wards, Itsekiri, 4 wards; Warri South, Ijaw, 3 wards out of 20, with Urhobo having the majority.
Prior to the delineation, Warri South West had 10 wards, Warri South had 12, and Warri North had 10 that has now been adjusted by the recent exercise.
It will be recalled that the delineation exercise was a subject of controversy last year, when rights activist, Rita Lori-Ogbebor, strongly cautioned the Federal Government and Delta State Government to disregard what she described as illegal demands for ward creation by the Ijaw.
In a signed statement, Lori-Ogbebor asserted that the Nigerian Constitution stipulates a maximum of 10 wards per local government, and any deviation from that is unconstitutional.
