INEC seeks dialogue, not division in Warri

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has clarified that it has not yet reached a final decision regarding the delineation of electoral wards in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, as directed by the Supreme Court.

The commission made this known in an official statement released on Thursday by Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

Olumekun’s remarks come in response to mounting speculation and public discourse surrounding the proposed delineation exercise affecting Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas — the three LGAs that constitute the Warri Federal Constituency.

He mentioned that, while steps have been taken in accordance with the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered on December 2, 2022, the commission is still in the process of reviewing stakeholder feedback and has not finalized any decisions.

“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,” Olumekun said.

He noted that INEC’s attention had been drawn to what he described as *“misleading narratives”* circulating across various platforms, which have stirred tension in some quarters. He appealed to all stakeholders — including community leaders, political actors, civil society organizations, and residents — to remain calm and refrain from taking actions that could endanger public peace or disrupt the ongoing consultative process.

Following the apex court’s ruling in late 2022, INEC initiated a broad-based engagement process to comply with the court’s directive. According to Olumekun, from February 2023 to July 2024, the commission conducted a series of extensive consultations with stakeholders across the three affected local government areas. These consultations involved traditional rulers, political leaders, community-based organizations, and representatives of interest groups within the constituency.

As part of the process, INEC carried out fieldwork and data gathering across the region’s communities to inform its draft delineation proposals. The outcome of this fieldwork was compiled into a draft report, which serves as a foundational document for further dialogue and review.

On April 4, 2025, INEC convened another stakeholder meeting in Warri, where copies of the draft report were formally presented to representatives of the various concerned groups. The goal, Olumekun said, was to solicit feedback and encourage constructive dialogue.

“The purpose was to give the stakeholders the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have,” he explained, emphasizing that the commission is committed to ensuring that all voices are heard in the final decision-making process.

READ ALSO: INEC rejects petition to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

INEC has invited stakeholders to formally submit their observations and recommendations on the draft report, which will form the basis for the next phase of engagement. Olumekun underscored that the commission’s objective is to reach an equitable and broadly acceptable resolution through consensus and transparency.

“The overall objective is to arrive at an agreement by all the parties involved,” he stated, reaffirming INEC’s commitment to fairness, equity, and the rule of law.

He reiterated that the commission will continue to operate within its legal mandate and remain transparent in its dealings with all relevant parties, regardless of political or ethnic affiliations.

“We urge all parties to remain peaceful and to trust the process. INEC remains committed to a fair and credible delineation exercise that respects the rights and interests of all communities involved.”

As the nation inches closer to future election cycles, the resolution of ward boundary disputes such as that in Warri is seen as critical to ensuring credible elections and adequate representation for all Nigerians.

The delineation of electoral wards — the smallest administrative units for elections — plays a crucial role in voter distribution, polling unit allocation, and political representation. Any changes made to these boundaries must therefore be approached with sensitivity, precision, and inclusivity.

INEC is expected to announce further steps in the delineation process after completing its review of stakeholder inputs and conducting additional engagements as necessary.

Crediblenewsng.com