CSOs applaud INEC over warri constituency delineation

Segun Adeyemi 12:19 - 15 April 2025

INEC and security agencies have been urged to remain partisan and diligent during the Edo governorship election. [Getty Images]

A voter at a polling unit cast his vote. [Getty Images]

The delineation follows a Supreme Court ruling delivered on December 2, 2022, which mandated a redrawing of constituencies.

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for delineating wards and polling units transparently and inclusively in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, April 15, the coalition’s coordinator, Dr Nwambu Gabriel, praised INEC’s execution of the delineation exercise, which affects Warri South, Warri West, and Warri South West Local Government Areas.

He said the effort marks “a significant advancement in promoting democratic integrity and fairness” in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The delineation follows a Supreme Court ruling delivered on December 2, 2022, which mandated a redrawing of constituencies.

Gabriel said the court’s decision underscored the rule of law, and he applauded INEC for respecting the judgment and conducting “a comprehensive and transparent process that reflects true representational democracy.”

The coalition also noted the historic nature of the report’s presentation to the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic groups.

“The allocation of 10 wards to the Ijaws in Warri North and several more in Warri South-West signals a decisive move to rectify historical political marginalisation,” Gabriel said.

He commended the peaceful demonstrations by Ijaw communities in support of the process and urged all stakeholders to “approach these developments with civility and a commitment to peace.”

The coalition includes the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, National Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria, Initiative for Voter Awareness and Electoral Reforms, and the African Initiative for Advancement of Democracy, among others.