The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its commitment to delineate the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, likely in response to a Supreme Court ruling on December 2, 2022, which mandated the delineation. Speaking at an expanded stakeholders meeting in Asaba, INEC National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus assured that the interests of all ethnic groups would be considered during the process.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that the delineation would adhere to the Supreme Court’s decision, and representatives of ethnic groups would begin sensitizing their communities about the upcoming delineation process.
Gumus mentioned that the commission had received submissions from political and traditional representatives of the federal constituency, which would guide the execution of the Supreme Court directive.
Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, the House of Representatives member representing Warri federal constituency, viewed the Supreme Court ruling as beneficial for all constituents, promising that the delineation would benefit the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities.
Representatives from various ethnic groups, including Chief Victor Okumagba for the Urhobo, Chief Monday Keme for the Ijaw, and Chief Robinson Ariyo for the Itsekiri, expressed their support for INEC’s efforts and agreed to accompany the commission during field visits to the affected areas, urging INEC to ensure fairness in the process.
A deputy director from INEC headquarters, Kehinde Mustapha, outlined the criteria and guidelines for the fresh delineation of wards and polling units, including the features of electoral units and considerations for establishing polling units.