Tension is mounting in Warri Federal Constituency as leaders of indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo communities have issued a strong warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission over its failure to implement the 2022 Supreme Court judgment on electoral ward delineation.
The leaders, who spoke at a high-level press conference, warned that continued delay by INEC could trigger actions capable of disrupting oil production in Delta State, a development that may have serious implications for Nigeria’s economy.
They accused the electoral body of deliberately refusing to enforce the court-ordered delineation of wards and polling units in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North local government areas, insisting that the current structure undermines fair representation and credible elections.
Reading from a jointly signed statement, Chief Victor Okumagba said the people could no longer accept what he described as “systematic political exclusion,” noting that all peaceful and legal efforts to resolve the matter had been exhausted.
The leaders recalled past violent crises in Warri between 1997–1999 and 2002–2003, warning that failure to address the situation could reignite tensions in the region.
They demanded the immediate release of the delineation report, full implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, and suspension of ongoing electoral processes until compliance is achieved.
Also speaking, Chief Godspower Gbenekama said the people were being denied both political and economic rights, stressing that frustration was growing among youths and women across the affected communities.
“Our people have been patient. We have followed due process, but nothing has changed. The situation is becoming unbearable,” he said.
Chief Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom expressed concern that the continued delay could provoke unrest, noting that expectations were high following the court victory.
Women leaders, including Chief Veronica Tangbavei, called for urgent action, warning that the burden of the situation falls heavily on them and their families.
Youth representatives from Egbema and Isaba Kingdoms also cautioned that prolonged inaction could lead to escalation, stressing that the issue must not be ignored.
Meanwhile, the leaders appealed to Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the ruling is implemented to prevent instability in the Niger Delta.
They unanimously declared that any attempt to proceed with future elections without complying with the Supreme Court judgment would be resisted, insisting that justice and equity must prevail to sustain peace in the region.
