The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reacted to public outcry over its proposed changes to ward boundaries in the Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.
Protests broke out on Wednesday at the Ogidigben Flow Station in Warri South Local Government Area, where angry members of the Ugborodo community staged a demonstration.
The protesters, mainly of Itsekiri origin, accused INEC of ignoring a court order and trying to reduce their political influence in Warri.
The protest, which disrupted operations at a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) site, saw participation from across Warri Kingdom. Community leaders and youth groups joined to express what they called “an orchestrated plot to politically annihilate the Itsekiri Nation.”
Their anger stems from the ward figures recently presented by INEC. Protesters claim the number of wards for Itsekiris has been unfairly reduced compared to other ethnic groups.
“In Warri North, where Itsekiris and Ijaws live together, we had six wards, and the Ijaws had four. Now the Ijaws have 10, and we only have eight,” one protester said.
“In Warri South, we still have eight wards, but the Urhobos now have nine, and the Ijaws—who didn’t originally live here—have been given three new wards in places that are clearly Itsekiri areas like Miller, McCaiver, and Main Market,” he added.
He also alleged, “Even our monarch’s residence is now said to fall under an Ijaw ward. It’s an outrageous manipulation. INEC is claiming the Itsekiris are not reproducing and are now fewer in number, while others have multiplied miraculously. That’s absurd.”
Reacting in a statement released Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, the Commission said the proposed ward changes are not final and were carried out based on a Supreme Court ruling.
The statement, titled “Misconceptions About the Proposed Delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency by Order of the Supreme Court,” explained that the changes followed a Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 2, 2022.
INEC said it held wide consultations from February 2023 to July 2024 with key stakeholders in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West. Fieldwork was done in all affected communities, and a draft report was produced.
“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,” the statement read.
INEC called on all stakeholders to send in their feedback on the draft, which will guide further discussion and action.
“We appeal to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from engaging in any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area. The Commission will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, the rule of law and in full consultation with all stakeholders,” Olumekun said.
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