Ijaw and Urhobo Communities Praise INEC for New Constituency Boundaries
The Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups from the Warri Federal Electoral District in Delta State have expressed their appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for releasing its final report on new constituency and polling station boundaries, as mandated by the Supreme Court in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
At a press conference held in Warri, representatives of both groups emphasized that this initiative marks a significant step toward restoring political inclusion, peace, and stability in the region.
Historical context reveals that these groups initially requested the final delineation report in the Hong Johnson case on May 4, 2026, in line with a Supreme Court ruling from December 2, 2022 (George U. Timinimi & Ors v. INEC, SC/413/2016).
Stakeholders from the Ijaw, Itsukiri, and Urhobo communities were invited to an urgent meeting at INEC’s Delta State office in Asaba, where the final report was officially unveiled.
The communities applauded INEC’s efforts to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment, which is crucial for guiding the electoral processes in the Warri Federal Electoral Area, comprising Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West Local Government Areas.
Particularly noteworthy was INEC’s recommendation for additional state House of Representatives constituencies in Warri North and Warri South West, along with an instruction for political parties to commence primary elections for these new constituencies without delay.
Furthermore, the Ijaw and Urhobo groups lauded the Commission for proposing a new federal constituency—referred to as the Warri Second Federal Constituency—in Warri North and Warri South West. They believe that the establishment of new voting units, electoral districts, and additional state constituencies has taken significant strides toward addressing persistent political concerns in the area.
The leaders highlighted that the lasting political crisis in the Warri federal constituency stems from an unwelcoming political landscape for various ethnicities, fostering sentiments of alienation, oppression, and exclusion. INEC’s recent initiatives are viewed as an opportunity for all ethnic communities within the constituency to participate equitably in the political arena while acknowledging the region’s ethnic diversity.
Security agencies were commended for maintaining order during the delineation process, while community leaders urged citizens to participate peacefully and lawfully in all activities leading up to the elections.
The press statement was issued on behalf of the Ijaw and Urhobo communities by Mr. Olorogon Victor Okmagba, Mr. Alaoway Dembo-Dembofa Owakupodor, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, and Chief John Edger Etombah.
