Warri Delineation Tension Deepens as Ijaw, Urhobo Protesters Demand Immediate INEC Action
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
A fresh wave of political tension has swept through Delta State following a strong demand by Ijaw and Urhobo protesters for the immediate implementation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s final report on the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.
The protesters, who gathered in Warri on Monday, June 1, 2026, expressed concern over what they described as undue interference in the electoral process, warning that any attempt to delay or alter the implementation of the report could undermine democracy, threaten the rule of law, and reignite ethnic tensions in the oil-rich region.
Addressing journalists during a joint press conference, representatives of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities recalled that INEC had formally presented its final delineation report to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20, 2026. According to them, the report was unveiled by INEC National Commissioner, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf, who represented the Commission’s leadership and reportedly assured stakeholders that the report reflected the Commission’s final position and would be implemented without delay.
The delineation exercise, which stemmed from a Supreme Court judgment, resulted in the creation of twenty new Registration Areas and Electoral Wards across Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas. It also provided for the establishment of two additional State House of Assembly constituencies in Warri North and Warri South-West, a development expected to enhance political representation and address long-standing concerns over electoral imbalance.
However, despite the official presentation of the report, the protesters lamented that implementation had not commenced more than a week later, even as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
The groups alleged that credible information available to them suggested that external forces had intervened to halt the implementation process. They claimed that directives purportedly emanating from powerful quarters had instructed INEC to suspend action on the report, a situation they argued was inconsistent with constitutional provisions guaranteeing the independence of the electoral commission.
According to the protesters, the Supreme Court judgment in the case of Hon. George U. Timinimi & Others versus INEC had already settled the legal questions surrounding the delineation exercise. They therefore maintained that any delay in implementing the court-backed report would amount to a violation of constitutional principles and judicial authority.
The demonstrators further argued that the final report had already accommodated several concerns raised by the Itsekiri ethnic nationality. They pointed out that the number of electoral wards allocated to Itsekiri-dominated areas had increased significantly under the new arrangement, insisting that further attempts to modify the report would be unfair and detrimental to peace in the region.
In a strongly worded statement, the protesters emphasized that INEC must proceed with all future electoral activities in Warri Federal Constituency strictly on the basis of the final delineation report already presented to stakeholders. They urged the electoral body to immediately notify political parties to commence preparations and conduct primaries for the newly created constituencies ahead of the 2027 elections.
Particular attention was drawn to the Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area, which they said had endured decades of political marginalization. According to the protesters, the newly created constituency offers the kingdom a long-awaited opportunity for fair political representation and inclusion in the democratic process.
Beyond the immediate electoral implications, the groups expressed fears that any attempt to alter the report could reopen old wounds and reignite tensions that have historically plagued the Warri area. They referenced past conflicts in the region, warning that political decisions perceived as unjust or biased have previously contributed to instability and should not be repeated.
The protesters therefore called on all stakeholders, including INEC, the Federal Government, political leaders, and community representatives, to respect the rule of law and ensure that the Supreme Court judgment is fully implemented without interference.
As debates surrounding the delineation continue, many observers believe that the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the process strengthens democratic participation or deepens existing divisions within the Warri Federal Constituency.
For now, the demand from the Ijaw and Urhobo protesters remains clear: the immediate implementation of INEC’s final delineation report and strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s decision as the nation moves toward the 2027 general elections.
Source: Protesters’ Joint Press Conference, Warri.
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
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