By Toju Apoh
On Friday, 4th April 2025, in Asaba, Delta State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) displayed what can only be described as institutional impunity that has ignited widespread outrage within the Warri Federal Constituency.
On this day, INEC distributed sealed envelopes to the representatives of the constituency, detailing the so-called Proposed Ward Delineation—ostensibly in compliance with a Supreme Court directive for a fresh delineation exercise. However, what should have been a straightforward administrative task, rooted in legal order and constitutional compliance, quickly descended into a grave miscarriage of justice and an incitement of ethnic tensions.
In a flagrant deviation from its prescribed mandate, INEC arrogated to itself powers well beyond its jurisdiction. It assumed the functions of the National Boundary Commission, fabricating new communities and arbitrarily redrawing long-established boundaries. Such an act is not only ultra vires but grossly undermines the very principles of constitutional governance and due process.
It is no surprise, therefore, that this action has prompted widespread protests across the Warri Federal Constituency, culminating in demonstrations outside INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja. Citizens—deeply aggrieved by the Commission’s actions—have taken their grievances to the very heart of Nigeria’s electoral authority, demanding accountability and transparency.
The most palpable outrage is found within the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality, the historical and rightful stakeholders of Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (LGAs). The data clearly substantiates their concerns.
In Warri South-West LGA, the delineation proposal allocates 14 of the 19 wards to the Ijaw, leaving the Itsekiri with a mere 5 wards. This allocation is starkly disproportionate when compared to the voter strength: the Ijaw community has 95,046 registered voters across 157 polling units, while the Itsekiri command a similar 94,974 voters spread across 175 polling units. How, then, does INEC justify such a skewed allocation?
In Warri South LGA, the Urhobo were allocated 10 wards, the Itsekiri 8 wards, and the Ijaw 2 wards—the latter group, it should be noted, has historically held no wards in the LGA. The Urhobo, with a registered voter base of approximately 38,000, were given 10 wards, despite having far fewer voters than the Itsekiri, who number approximately 88,309 voters. The Itsekiri remain the dominant ethnic group in Warri South, yet their allocation is limited to just 8 wards. The glaring imbalance in these ward allocations calls into serious question the fairness and transparency of the entire exercise.
Equally perplexing is the inclusion of the Ijaw, a group with no historical, cultural, or political ties to the LGA, receiving 2 wards in Warri South, further compounding the perception that this exercise is driven by political motives rather than adherence to established legal and electoral principles.
In Warri North LGA, the voter strength speaks for itself: the Itsekiri, the indigenous and dominant group in the area, have 75,912 registered voters across 134 polling units, whereas the Ijaw community has 38,480 voters. Notwithstanding the clear disparity in voter numbers, INEC’s proposal allocates 10 wards to the Ijaw and 8 wards to the Itsekiri. This allocation is not only illogical but flagrantly unjust, and it defies any reasonable explanation based on voter population or historical context.
In Warri South-West LGA, the Ijaws have 95,046 voters across 157 polling units, while the Itsekiri have 94,974 voters spread across 175 polling units. Despite this near parity in voter strength, the Ijaw community is granted an overwhelming 14 wards, leaving the Itsekiri with a mere 5 wards. The disproportionate nature of this allocation raises significant doubts about the integrity of INEC’s actions and the process as a whole.
The numbers do not add up—but the motive behind this exercise is becoming painfully evident.
There are whispers circulating about a “black market procurement of wards”—a scenario in which an ethnic group, allegedly backed by foreign currency (the provenance of which remains shrouded in mystery), may have crafted a delineation template to serve their interests and presented it to INEC for expedient rubber-stamp approval.
And now, INEC appears to be dancing to the rhythm of foreign currency.
To those who believe that influence can be bought with foreign notes, let us recall the wisdom of our ancestors:
“Fortune is a fleeting friend—those who abuse its favor may soon find themselves cast aside by it.”
At the center of this unfolding scandal is Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC. Nigerians have not forgotten the dark shadows that hung over the 2023 general elections, and this latest debacle threatens to further entrench the perception that INEC is an agency incapable of upholding fairness, and out of touch with the Constitution it is sworn to defend.
Now is the time for Professor Yakubu to take decisive action. He must immediately order a transparent and thorough review of this contentious delineation. Anything less would be an invitation to chaos.
The Warri Federal Constituency is far too ethnically sensitive, politically charged, and historically significant to be subjected to hasty and reckless experiments in boundary realignment.
INEC’s actions risk not only disrupting the peace but also deepening ethnic distrust, exacerbating tensions, and sowing the seeds of further divisions.
If INEC must dance, let it do so to the rhythm of equity, justice, and constitutional order—not to the discordant tunes of political expediency, greed, and dollar diplomacy.
For now, this macabre dance must stop.
Apoh, is a constituent of Warri Federal Constituency writes from Warri
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