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By Myke Agunwa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed what it called a misleading narrative that it has finalized the delineation of Wards in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Federal Constituency as ordered by the Supreme Court in its judgment delivered on 2nd December 2022.
Recall that a few days ago, about four persons were reportedly killed and several houses burnt as youths in Urhobo and Itsekiri communities in Delta State clashed over the ongoing delineation of electoral wards.
During a peaceful protest at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the Itsekiri community claimed that the move violated a Supreme Court judgment and disregarded established boundaries by attempting to create unacceptable communities and wards that previously did not exist in Warri Federal Constituency.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun said that the electoral body is still holding a series of consultations and has yet to take any decision.
He clarified that after the Supreme Court judgment, the Commission embarked on extensive consultations from February 2023 to July 2024 involving all the critical stakeholders, followed by fieldwork in all the communities in the three Local Government Areas, culminating in the production of a draft report.
According to the statement, the Commission held further consultation with stakeholders in Warri last week on Friday, April 4, 2025, where copies of the draft report were presented to the representatives of each of the parties connected with the issue. He said that the purpose was to give everyone the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have so as to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved.
“Therefore, 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,” INEC stated.
The electoral umpire urged representatives of the various stakeholders to submit their observations on the draft report, which will serve as the basis for further engagement on the matter.
The body further appealed to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from engaging in any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area. The Commission reiterated that it will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, and the rule of law and in full consultation with all stakeholders.