The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that no final decision has been made on the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency, dismissing widespread claims to the contrary.
In a statement released on Thursday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, addressed the growing tensions and protests in parts of the Constituency—Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West—over the proposed delineation exercise.
Olumekun described as misleading the narrative suggesting that INEC had concluded the ward delineation process, explaining that the exercise stems from a Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 2, 2022. Following the court directive, the Commission began a series of consultations with stakeholders between February 2023 and July 2024, which were followed by fieldwork across the three local government areas involved.
He disclosed that a draft report was produced from the exercise and presented to stakeholders during a meeting held in Warri on Friday, April 4, 2025. “The aim was to allow all concerned parties to review the draft, raise concerns, and work towards a consensus,” he said.
INEC urged all stakeholders to submit their observations on the draft report as part of the ongoing engagement process.
The Commission also appealed to community members and political actors to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could disrupt public order. It reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, the rule of law, and inclusive decision-making
