The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the Supreme Court-ordered ward-delineation for Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State, marking a major development in the long-standing political and ethnic tensions over representation in the area.
The exercise affected Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, which have for years witnessed legal battles, protests and agitations by the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities over electoral boundaries and political inclusion.
The new delineation was unveiled in Asaba during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting attended by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State alongside the supervising National Commissioner for Delta, Edo and Cross River States.
Under the new arrangement, Warri South has been increased from 12 to 20 wards.
The development also led to the creation of two State House of Assembly constituencies in the area, with the Itsekiri ethnic nationality retaining one constituency, while the Ijaw and Urhobo groups share the other.
In Warri North, wards were increased from 10 to 20, split equally between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities, with 10 wards each. .
The area would now also have two State House of Assembly constituencies: Warri North Constituency One and Warri North Constituency Two.
Warri South-West also witnessed an increase from 10 to 20 wards, with 13 wards allocated to the Ijaw ethnic group and seven to the Itsekiri, alongside the creation of two state constituencies.
INEC further announced a proposed additional House of Representatives seat for Warri North and Warri South-West Federal Constituency.
However, the commission noted that the proposal remains subject to approval through a constitutional amendment by the National Assembly.
The commission said the exercise was carried out in compliance with a Supreme Court judgement and aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over fairness and representation in the constituency.
INEC maintained that the exercise was conducted transparently after extensive consultations with stakeholders across the affected local government areas.
The commission urged residents to remain calm and support the implementation of the new structure, stressing that it is aimed at strengthening democratic participation and reducing electoral disputes in the region.
For decades, the Warri Federal Constituency has been a flashpoint for political and ethnic disputes, with stakeholders repeatedly calling for a review of electoral boundaries to reflect demographic realities and ensure equitable representation.
Political observers said the new delineation could reshape electoral dynamics in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties and ethnic blocs adjust to the revised ward structure.
