Ijaw, Urhobo Communities Decry Fresh Delineation Delay

Ijaw and Urhobo communities of Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State have raised an alarm over plans by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to leave the constituency without legal electoral structures by 2027.

This may not be unconnected to the delay by INEC to carry out a fresh delineation of all electoral wards and polling units in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West local government areas.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Mr. Monday Keme, the principal secretary to Mon Bene III, the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijaw Warri Kingdom, said the delay in completing this process could disrupt elections across Delta south and the entire state in 2027.

The communities called for full respect for the Supreme Court’s directive, urging President Tinubu and relevant federal institutions to allow INEC complete its work without interference.

“Mr. President, allow INEC to do its job. Whoever is dissatisfied can go to court, as we did. Nigeria’s peace and democracy must come first,” he said.

He raised concerns over what they described as a deliberate attempt by the Itsekiri ethnic group to manipulate the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units ordered by the Supreme Court.