The Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State have expressed deep concern over the delayed implementation of the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. In an open letter addressed to Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, the Honourable Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the group calls for immediate action to enforce the apex court's judgment.
Background of the Supreme Court Judgment
On December 2, 2022, the Supreme Court delivered its final judgment in SC/413/2016: HON. GEORGE U. TIMINIMI & 9 ORS V. INEC, ordering INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units for Warri South West, Warri North, and Warri South Local Government Areas of Warri Federal Constituency. In response, INEC held a stakeholders' meeting on February 2, 2023, in Asaba, Delta State, committing to implement the judgment for the 2027 general elections.
Field Work and Final Report
From July 10 to 19, 2024, INEC officials conducted field work across communities and settlements. The proposed fresh electoral wards and polling units were presented to stakeholders on April 4, 2025, in Asaba. On May 20, 2026, INEC released its final report, creating 20 Registration Areas/Electoral Wards for the three local government areas, two additional state constituencies for Warri North and Warri South West, and recommending an additional federal constituency subject to constitutional approval.
The final report was widely accepted by stakeholders, who saw it as a solution to long-standing agitations. However, more than 20 days after the presentation, implementation has not begun, causing shock among the Ijaw and Urhobo people.
Allegations of External Interference
The Ijaw and Urhobo people allege that INEC's failure to implement the report is due to external interference from the Presidency, specifically President Bola Tinubu, citing his matrimonial ties to the Itsekiri ethnic nationality. They strongly condemn this suspension, calling it a threat to peace, security, and the rule of law in Warri Federal Constituency and Nigeria's democracy.
INEC's Constitutional Independence
The group emphasizes that INEC's independence is guaranteed under Section 160(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that INEC's powers to regulate its own procedure shall not be subject to the approval or control of the President. They argue that subjecting INEC's duties to Presidential direction compromises its constitutional independence and disrespects the Supreme Court.
Section 287(1) of the Constitution mandates that decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced by all authorities and persons. The group warns that INEC's actions threaten the rule of law and democratic survival.
Demands from INEC
The Ijaw and Urhobo people demand the following:
- Immediate implementation of the final report of the fresh delineation presented on May 20, 2026, without further delay or alteration.
- Direction to political parties to conduct primaries for the nomination of candidates for the 2027 elections in the newly created state constituencies in Warri North and Warri South West Local Government Areas.
- All electoral activities involving polling units and registration areas in Warri Federal Constituency should be based on the final report.
They conclude by warning that INEC's refusal to obey the rule of law is causing frustration and tension, and the Chairman will be held personally responsible for any breakdown of law and order.
