The Presidency on Tuesday denied allegations that President Bola Tinubu or the Federal Government interfered in the ongoing ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission operates independently and without external influence.
The clarification comes amid rising tensions over the implementation of the Supreme Court-backed delineation exercise, which has sparked protests, political disagreements and disruptions to oil and gas operations in parts of Warri Federal Constituency.
Responding to enquiries on the controversy, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said neither President Tinubu nor the Presidency had issued any directive to INEC regarding the exercise.
“The Presidency has not issued any directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding the implementation of the delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency,” Onanuga said.
He stressed that INEC remains an independent constitutional institution empowered to carry out its responsibilities in line with the Constitution, electoral laws and judicial decisions.
According to him, the Federal Government’s position remains that lawful court judgments should be respected and implemented through established constitutional and institutional channels.
“The position of the Federal Government is clear and consistent: lawful court judgements should be respected and implemented through the appropriate constitutional and institutional processes,” he stated.
Onanuga advised parties dissatisfied with aspects of the delineation exercise to seek redress through lawful means and engage the relevant authorities rather than resorting to actions capable of undermining public order.
He further stated that the Presidency was unaware of any official decision by INEC that altered the commission’s constitutional responsibilities, noting that operational questions concerning the delineation exercise should be directed to the electoral body.
“The Federal Government has no interest in interfering with the independence of INEC or undermining the rule of law,” he said.
The presidential spokesman added that President Tinubu remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that public agencies discharge their duties without undue political interference.
The Presidency also expressed concern over reports that protests linked to the ward delineation dispute had affected oil and gas facilities in the Warri area.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest, Onanuga warned against actions capable of disrupting economic activities or endangering critical national infrastructure.
“While citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful expression and lawful protest, actions capable of disrupting economic activities, threatening public safety or damaging national infrastructure are unacceptable,” he said.
He stressed that strategic national assets must be protected at all times and called on all stakeholders to embrace peaceful dialogue and lawful engagement in resolving their grievances.
“Critical national assets must not be endangered under any circumstances,” he added.
The Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue and the rule of law, expressing confidence that democratic institutions would resolve the issues surrounding the Warri delineation exercise through due process.
“The Federal Government remains committed to peace, dialogue, the rule of law and the preservation of public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” Onanuga stated.
