Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation: Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Urge INEC to Resist Pressure and Finalize Process Based on Law and Verified Field Data
By Wilson Macaulay
Warri, Delta State – April 30, 2025
In a remarkable display of ethnic solidarity and commitment to democratic values, the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities of Warri Federal Constituency have jointly urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist all forms of external pressure and to conclude the ongoing delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, strictly in accordance with legal procedures and verified field data.
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At a joint press conference held in Warri on Wednesday , April 30, 2025, leading figures from both ethnic groups presented a unified stance, advocating for transparency, legality, and the preservation of democratic integrity in the delineation process.
The leaders commended INEC’s recent field report as a crucial step towards correcting long-standing electoral imbalances. The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri federal constituency praised the Commission for initiating compliance with the landmark Supreme Court judgment mandating a fresh delineation exercise, despite persistent legal obstructions and resistance allegedly engineered by elements within the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality.
According to the findings referenced during the press conference, the Ijaws constitute the majority population in Warri North and Warri South-West LGAs, while the Urhobos hold the majority in Warri South LGA. The joint statement emphasized that any credible delineation must be based on actual population figures and physical settlement patterns, not on outdated or compromised voter registers.
The Ijaw and Urhobo leaders categorically rejected the use of the existing voters’ register as a basis for ward delineation, describing it as both unlawful and inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s directive. They cautioned that any attempt to circumvent the legal process or manipulate the outcome for narrow ethnic gains would not only undermine democracy but could also provoke civil unrest.
“Our demand is simple and just,” the leaders declared. “INEC must finalize the delineation process based on legal standards, verifiable field data, and the current demographic realities. No voter registration or electoral activity should proceed in Warri Federal Constituency until this is completed.”
The coalition urged INEC to remain steadfast, impartial, and loyal to its constitutional mandate. They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and the international community to closely monitor the situation and support efforts to ensure justice, fairness, and equity in the electoral process.
This alliance between the Ijaws and the Urhobos in the pursuit of democratic justice marks a pivotal moment in the political evolution of Warri and highlights the critical role of unity and equity in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The press statement was jointly signed on behalf of the Ijaws and Urhobos ethnic nationalities of Warri:
For the Ijaw Delegation:
Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor
Comrade Sheriff Mulade
Hon. (Chief) Arthur Akpodubakaye
Joel Bisina, PhD
Comrade Emmanuel Igetei signed.
For the Urhobo Delegation:
Chief John Eranvor
Chief Westham Adehor, JP
Olorogun Victor Okumagba, JP and
Hon. Mark Ikpuri signed.
