Stakeholders demand immediate Warri delineation implementation
Ijaw and Urhobo stakeholders in the Warri Federal Constituency have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to urgently implement the Supreme Court-ordered delineation and direct political parties to conduct primaries in the newly created state constituencies.
The demand was made on Monday during a press briefing held in Ogbe-Ijoh, located in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Prominent stakeholders present at the briefing included Chief Godspower Gbenekama, Mr Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, and Chief Victor Okumagba, among others, who jointly expressed concern over what they described as delays in implementing the court-backed electoral adjustments.
Chief Gbenekama, speaking on behalf of the group, voiced dissatisfaction over what he termed the slow execution of the delineation exercise already presented to stakeholders.
Hensard Times recalled that the News Agency of Nigeria reported that INEC had presented its final delineation report in Asaba on May 20, in a meeting attended by representatives of the Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri ethnic groups.
According to Gbenekama, no tangible steps had been taken nearly ten days after the official unveiling of the report.
He further referenced INEC’s earlier position on electoral preparations, stating:“Considering the limited time constraint imposed by the INEC timetable for the conduct of the 2027 elections.
“The Commission will immediately direct political parties to conduct primaries for candidates in the newly created constituencies,” he said.
He warned that the delay could jeopardize electoral timelines as deadlines for submission of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections draw closer.
Gbenekama also alleged that external interference was contributing to the delay in implementing the report.
“We heard from a good authority that INEC’s failure to implement the report is due to external interference by the Presidency,” he said.
He strongly criticised the alleged interference, describing it as a threat to democratic principles and the rule of law.
“We insist that the rule of law must prevail in the Warri Federal Constituency.
“We call on INEC to direct parties to conduct primaries for the newly created constituencies.
“The Ijaw people of Egbema Kingdom are eager to elect candidates for participation in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
He added that significant concessions had already been made to the Itsekiri ethnic group under previous arrangements.
“The Itsekiri Registration Areas and Electoral Wards were increased from four to seven and from eight to 10,” he said.
Gbenekama insisted that all future electoral processes must strictly follow the final delineation report as presented and approved, warning against any alterations.
He also drew attention to historical tensions in the region, recalling that the relocation of a local government headquarters once contributed to violence in Warri between 1997 and 2003.
He cautioned that any further controversial actions could risk reigniting conflict in the area, urging all parties to prioritize peace and adherence to lawful processes.
