By Emmanuel Ogoigbe
The Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency have lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what they described as a landmark and courageous compliance with the judgement of the Supreme Court on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.
Addressing journalists during a joint press briefing in Effurun on Thursday 21th May 2026, leaders of the two ethnic groups said the release of the final delineation report marks a defining moment in the political history of the Warri Federal Constituency, comprising Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas.
The groups recalled that they had earlier, on May 4, 2026, publicly demanded the release of the final delineation report ahead of the 2027 general elections in line with the Supreme Court judgement in the case of SC/413/2016: Hon. George U. Timinimi & Others Vs INEC.
According to the statement, stakeholders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities were invited by INEC to an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held on May 20, 2026, at the Commission’s headquarters in Asaba, where the long-awaited final report was formally presented.
The Ijaw and Urhobo leaders praised INEC for what they termed a transparent and far-reaching implementation of the apex court’s directive, particularly the creation of additional State House of Assembly constituencies for Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas.
They noted that the electoral reforms introduced through the delineation exercise would deepen democratic participation, widen political representation and foster a stronger sense of inclusion among the diverse ethnic nationalities within the constituency.
The groups also commended the Commission for recommending the creation of an additional federal constituency, Warri Federal Constituency II, describing the recommendation as a bold step capable of addressing decades of political imbalance and agitation in the oil-rich region.
According to them, the inability of several communities and ethnic groups to access adequate political representation over the years contributed significantly to grievances, political tension and feelings of exclusion within the Warri Federal Constituency.
They, however, expressed confidence that the newly created polling units, electoral wards and constituencies would open up democratic space and guarantee broader participation for all ethnic nationalities in the political process.
The groups further described the recognition of ethnic plurality in the newly proposed political structure as one of the most commendable outcomes of the delineation exercise.
While applauding security agencies for maintaining peace and stability throughout the process, the Ijaw and Urhobo leaders reaffirmed their commitment to participating fully in the 2027 general elections.
They also urged their supporters and residents across the Warri Federal Constituency to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to democratic engagement as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the polls.
Present at the event were large crowd of people and top leaders from the Ijaws and Urhobos ethnic communities.
The statement was signed on behalf of the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency by Signatories Olorogun Victor Okumaga, JP, Alaowei Denbo-Denbofa Owerkpodor, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, Chief John Edger Etonvor.
