Warri Groups Accuse Tinubu Of Undermining INEC Delineation Exercise
Warri Delineation Dispute Deepens as Ijaw, Urhobo Groups Petition Tinubu
TENSIONS surrounding the implementation of the electoral ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Delta State’s Warri Federal Constituency have escalated, with Ijaw and Urhobo groups accusing President Bola Tinubu of interfering in a process ordered by the Supreme Court and executed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In an open letter addressed to the President, the groups alleged that the Presidency directed INEC to suspend further implementation of its recently released delineation report, a development they described as a threat to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Allegations Against the Presidency
Operating under the umbrella of the Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo People of Warri Federal Constituency, the groups claimed that reports of presidential intervention emerged shortly after INEC released its final delineation report on 20 May.
According to them, the reported directive came after objections were raised by members of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality over aspects of the exercise.
The groups argued that any attempt by the Presidency to halt or influence implementation of the report would undermine both the authority of the Supreme Court and the constitutional independence of INEC.
They further alleged that the intervention was linked to President Tinubu’s family connection to the Itsekiri ethnic group, although no evidence was provided to substantiate the claim.
A Long-Running Battle Over Representation
The controversy stems from a landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered on 2nd December 2022, which directed INEC to undertake a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units across Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West local government areas.
The case arose from years of legal disputes over claims of political marginalisation by Ijaw communities in the oil-rich constituency.
Following the judgment, INEC embarked on a series of stakeholder consultations, field verification exercises and technical assessments before presenting a draft report in April 2025.
The final report released in May proposed additional state constituencies in Warri North and Warri South-West, alongside recommendations for a new federal constituency, subject to constitutional approval.
Supporters of the exercise view the proposals as a major step toward correcting perceived imbalances in political representation.
Calls for Respect of Constitutional Institutions
In their letter, the groups urged the federal government to allow INEC complete freedom to implement the court-mandated exercise without political interference.
Citing constitutional provisions, they argued that Supreme Court judgments are binding on all authorities and that INEC’s operational independence must remain protected.
They warned that any attempt to alter, suspend or delay implementation could inflame tensions in an area historically marked by disputes over political power, ethnic identity and access to resources.
Silence from Presidency and INEC
As of the time the concerns were raised, neither the Presidency nor INEC had publicly responded to the allegations.
Questions seeking clarification on whether any communication had been exchanged between the Presidency and the electoral commission reportedly remained unanswered.
The absence of an official response has fuelled speculation and heightened public interest in a process considered crucial to political representation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Stakes Ahead of 2027
The Warri delineation exercise remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in Delta State.
For decades, the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities have engaged in debates over electoral boundaries, representation and resource allocation.
Observers believe how the controversy is resolved could significantly shape political dynamics in the region and influence preparations for the 2027 elections.
