Group Warns INEC Against ‘Selective Obedience’ On Warri Delineation

The Don Banky Political Movement (DBPM) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against what it described as “selective obedience” to judicial pronouncements.

It also urged the electoral body to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment on the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency.

The group said continued delay in implementing the judgment could heighten tension and deepen distrust among communities in the area.

Speaking during a world press briefing on Saturday, the Director General of the movement, Comrade Okunduopagha James, popularly known as Don Banky, said the issue goes beyond politics and touches on justice, peace, equity and democratic accountability.

He recalled that the Supreme Court, in December 2022, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency in a suit filed by Hon. George Timinimi and others.

According to him, INEC later conducted the exercise in June and July 2024 and released a proposed report to stakeholders in April 2025 for review and feedback.

He said both Ijaw and Itsekiri stakeholders submitted their observations on the report, but alleged that the commission had yet to fully implement it.

“From all indication, this is not a bureaucratic delay. This is a flagrant act of contempt for the highest court in our land, and it is gunpowder for escalated tension in Warri,” he said.

The group noted that Warri has faced longstanding security and political tensions linked to unresolved electoral disputes, warning that failure to implement the judgment may worsen the situation.

“The time has come for all concerned authorities to demonstrate sincerity, neutrality, and commitment to democratic principles by ensuring that the delineation process and its implementation are carried out transparently and in full accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court,” he stated.

DBPM maintained that court judgments must be respected and implemented without bias, warning that selective obedience weakens public confidence in democratic institutions and threatens peaceful coexistence.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the group declared.

The movement called on the INEC chairman and relevant authorities to rise above political pressure and sectional interests in handling the matter.

It also warned that continued delay or failure to implement the judgment could create “unnecessary tension, distrust, dissatisfaction, and avoidable conflict” among the people.

At the briefing, the group also endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi, High Chief Promise Lawuru, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, and Hon. Alapala Ebitonmo for the 2027 general elections.

The group said the endorsements followed consultations with political stakeholders, community leaders, youths, women groups and grassroots mobilisers across the affected constituencies.