Tensions in Warri have escalated following a controversial redrawing of constituency boundaries by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The fallout from the newly concluded ward delineation has already turned violent, with one man killed and several homes set on fire during a Sunday night attack in Odion Road, located in Warri South Local Government Area.
Security forces, including soldiers and police, have been deployed to the area to restore calm. The unrest follows the release of INEC’s new ward allocation, which has stirred anger among some ethnic groups, particularly members of the Itsekiri community. They claim the changes have politically weakened their representationin the Warri Federal Constituency.
A well-known Itsekiri chief, Eyewuoma, released a statement Monday morning promising that the Itsekiri people would seek justice through legal channels. According to the new delineation, the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups appear to have gained more political ground, leaving the Itsekiris feeling marginalized.
The redrawing of boundaries comes in response to a Supreme Court ruling issued on December 2, 2022. INEC conducted fieldwork for the delineation between July 10 and 27, 2024, following several consultations with stakeholders from the affected ethnic groups.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, represented at the report presentation by National Commissioner Professor Rhoda Gumus, said during the recent stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba:
“We recall that in our last engagement meeting on the 8th of July, 2024, in Warri Federal Constituency, we concluded all discussions with stakeholders and promised to commence the fieldwork of the wards in the constituency. The Commission carried out the exercise between the 10th and 27th of July, 2024.”
He also noted the role played by residents during the process and thanked the Delta State government for ensuring a smooth environment for the exercise.
State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, described the process as a “critical cornerstone” for implementing the Supreme Court’s mandate and stated that multiple meetings were held to ensure transparency. He noted that meetings had occurred on February 15, March 21, and July 8, 2024, prior to the fieldwork.
The final report shows a shift in political structure: in Warri North, Ijaws now hold 10 wards while Itsekiris have 8. In Warri South West, Ijaws control 15 wards, while Itsekiris have just 4. In Warri South, out of 20 total wards, the Ijaws hold 3, and the Urhobos dominate the rest.
