*Years Of Agitation Ends Well, They Note
*New Elective Office Seats Created
By Emmanuel Ogoigbe, Warri
Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State have lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what they described as its landmark and courageous compliance with the Supreme Court judgment on fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the constituency.
Addressing journalists during a joint press briefing in Effurun today, leaders of the two ethnic groups said INEC’s release of the final delineation report marks a defining moment in the political history of the constituency, which comprises Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The groups recalled that they had earlier, on 4 May, 2026, publicly demanded the release of the final delineation report ahead of the 2027 general elections in line with the Supreme Court judgment in the case of SC/413/2016: Hon. George U. Timinimi & Others Vs INEC.
According to them, stakeholders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities were invited by INEC to an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held on 20 May, 2026, at the Commission’s headquarters in Asaba, the State capital, where the long-awaited final report was formally presented.
The Ijaw and Urhobo leaders further 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 LGAs.
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 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 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 crowds of people and prominent leaders from the Ijaws and Urhobos ethnic communities.
A statement, read at the media briefing, was signed on behalf of the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency by Olorogun Victor Okumaga, JP, Alaowei Denbo-Denbofa Owerkpodor, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, and Chief John Edger Etonvor.
*PHOTO CAPTION: The Ijaw and Urhobo leaders at the briefing… today.
