Warri Wards: INEC Publishes Final Delineation Report, Urges Stakeholders to Review

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the comprehensive report on the delineation of wards and polling units within Warri Federal Constituency, fulfilling the Supreme Court’s directive and bringing closure to months of contentious debate over electoral boundaries in Delta State.

The unveiling took place during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, attended by representatives from the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities, alongside top officials from INEC.

Speaking during the session, Resident Electoral Commissioner Etekamba Unoren, together with a Supervising National Electoral Commissioner, presented the finalized delineation framework.

The report indicates that Warri North I, predominantly Itsekiri, comprises 10 wards, while Warri North II, mainly Ijaw, also has 10 wards.

In Warri South-West, the delineation allocates seven wards to Warri South-West II, primarily Itsekiri, and 13 wards to Warri South-West I, mainly Ijaw. For Warri South Local Government Area, a total of 20 wards were established, distributed among the ethnic groups as follows: Urhobo with nine wards, Itsekiri with eight, and Ijaw with three.

The report also revealed that Urhobo and Ijaw communities will share a single State Constituency I in Warri South, while Itsekiri will have a separate constituency.

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Additionally, INEC proposed new federal constituencies for the Ijaw and Itsekiri in Warri North and Warri South-West, contingent upon constitutional amendments and approval by the National Assembly.

A notable leader from Gbaramatu Kingdom in his reaction said the proposed constituencies are operational pending legislative approval, stating, “What has been created is ready; the next step is for the National Assembly to finalize the constitutional process.”

Reacting to the development, APC Warri South-West aspirant Andrew Omagbemi indicated that INEC has invited stakeholders to review the delineation proposal.

He explained, “During today’s meeting, INEC presented a proposal recommending new wards and constituencies in Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West. Stakeholders are expected to review and respond with their feedback.”

Omagbemi further noted concerns over previous inaccuracies, emphasizing, “In our prior submissions, we pointed out incorrect coordinates in Warri South and Warri North, which fueled protests. This current proposal is still under review, and we will respond accordingly.”

The release of the delineation report has elicited mixed reactions across Warri, with some residents celebrating the conclusion of the exercise, while others remain cautious.

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The Supreme Court’s order for INEC to redraw electoral boundaries stemmed from disputes over representation and electoral fairness in the area, and the new delineation marks a significant step in addressing these issues.