‘No decision has been taken’ — INEC speaks on ward delineation protests in Warri

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has not taken a final decision on the delineation of wards in Warri federal constituency.

Last Friday, the commission unveiled the proposed delineated wards and polling units, following a supreme court judgment delivered on December 2, 2022.

The apex court had directed INEC to undertake the delineation of wards in Warri north, Warri south, and Warri south west LGAs.

On Wednesday, protesters in Delta shut down a 28,000 barrels per day (bpd) oil facility in Warri south-west LGA over the proposal.

Delineation refers to dividing or mapping out geographical areas into constituencies, wards, or polling units for electoral purposes.

In a statement on Thursday, Sam Olumekun, national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, said following the supreme court verdict, the commission embarked on extensive consultations from February 2023 to July 2024.

Olumekun said the consultations involved all critical stakeholders, followed by fieldwork in all the communities in the three LGAs, and culminating in the production of a draft report.

He said INEC held further consultations with stakeholders in Warri on April 4, 2025, where copies of the draft report were presented to the representatives of each of the parties connected with the issue.

“The purpose was to give them the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have. The overall objective was to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved,” the statement reads.

“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.”

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.

“Meanwhile, we appeal to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from engaging in any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area,” the statement reads.

“The Commission will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, the rule of law and in full consultation with all stakeholders.”