“No decision has been taken” -INEC breaks silence on Warri Ward protests.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that it has not reached a final decision on the proposed delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.
The clarification follows a wave of public unrest, including a protest that shut down a 28,000-barrel-per-day oil facility in Warri South-West Local Government Area earlier this week. The backlash stemmed from INEC’s unveiling of a draft proposal for new wards and polling units across Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West LGAs—a move prompted by a Supreme Court ruling delivered on December 2, 2022.
In a statement released Thursday, Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee emphasized that the commission is still in the consultative phase.
“Contrary to speculation, the Commission is yet to take a final decision on the delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency,” Olumekun said. “We have engaged in extensive consultations with stakeholders from February 2023 through July 2024, followed by detailed fieldwork in the affected communities.”
The draft delineation report was presented to stakeholders during a recent engagement session on April 4, 2025, in Warri. According to INEC, the session was intended to allow all parties to voice concerns and work collaboratively toward a mutually acceptable outcome.
The commission has now called on all stakeholder representatives to submit their feedback on the draft, which will inform the next stage of deliberations.
While acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, INEC urged all parties to remain calm and avoid actions that could destabilize the region.
“We appeal to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area,” the commission stated. “INEC remains committed to fairness, equity, the rule of law, and inclusive consultation.”
