Hundreds of Ijaw protesters on Thursday gathered at the national office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to express their approval of the newly released ward delineation plan for the Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State.
The demonstrators, a mix of traditional elders and youth leaders, traveled from Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba communities to show their satisfaction with the process, which they described as just and long overdue. Armed with placards and banners, the group praised INEC for conducting the exercise in line with a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
One of the community leaders, David Reje, who spoke on behalf of the Ijaw groups, stated that the delineation process was inclusive and that the commission had engaged leaders from all major ethnic groups in the area, including the Itsekiri and Urhobo.
“We are here to appreciate you, to thank you for the good work you have done since 2022, after the Supreme Court judgment. You never jettisoned the judgment,” Reje said. “Today, we have left our Egypt of political slavery to our promised land of political emancipation and political identity and dignity.”
He added that with the new ward structure, the Ijaw people have gained political recognition and will no longer be sidelined during elections. He also dismissed allegations that INEC failed to consult relevant stakeholders.
Reje noted that several meetings had been held in Warri and Asaba prior to the final announcement of the delineation. “Nobody will dictate a candidate for us… The majority has come on board,” he said.
INEC National Commissioners, Professor Abdullahi Zuru and Malam Mohammed Haruna, received the protesters at the commission’s headquarters. Zuru commended the group for their orderly conduct and assured them of the commission’s ongoing commitment to justice and transparency.
“We want to thank you most sincerely for coming here as one of the major stakeholders in this discussion,” Zuru said. “We want to assure you… we are dedicated to doing what is right as far as democracy in Nigeria is concerned.”
According to the delineation report presented in Asaba on April 5, Warri North now has 18 wards—10 Ijaw and 8 Itsekiri. Warri South-West has 19 wards—14 Ijaw and 5 Itsekiri. Warri South has 20 wards divided among Ijaw (3), Itsekiri (8), and Urhobo (9).
However, INEC on Thursday also released a statement clarifying that the delineation is still in draft form and not yet finalized. The statement, issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, urged all involved to submit feedback.
“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 Commission will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, the rule of law and in full consultation with all stakeholders,” the commission’s statement read.
