The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it has yet to take a position on the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
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Checks revealed that there have been protests in certain Itsekiri communities against the proposed delineation.
The protesting Itsekiris have since shut down a 28,000 crude barrels per day (bpd) facility in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Protests broke out on Wednesday at the facility formerly operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and recently acquired by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings.
The peaceful protesters, comprising men, women and youths, stormed the facility with placards with inscriptions showing their anger over the recommendation by INEC.
The commission, however, maintained in its statement that consultations were ongoing, assuring that it would “arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved.”
The statement reads in part, “Our attention has been drawn to the misleading narratives about the proposed delineation of wards in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Federal Constituency as ordered by the Supreme Court in its judgement delivered on 2nd December 2022.
“Following the Supreme Court judgement, the Commission embarked on extensive consultations from February 2023 to July 2024 involving all the critical stakeholders, followed by fieldwork in all the communities in the three Local Government Areas culminating in the production of a draft report.
“The Commission held further consultation with stakeholders in Warri last week on Friday, 4th April 2025, where copies of the draft report were presented to the representatives of each of the parties connected with the issue. The purpose was to give them the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have. The overall objective was to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved.
“Therefore, contrary to the speculations making the rounds, the commission is yet to take a final decision on the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.
“We urge representatives of the various stakeholders to submit their observations on the draft report, which will serve as the basis for further engagement on the matter.
“Meanwhile, we appeal to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from engaging in any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area. The commission will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, the rule of law, and in full consultation with all stakeholders.”
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