By Akpokona Omafuaire & Ochuko Akuopha

ASABA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally presented the delineation report of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State, to representatives of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nationalities.

The report presentation took place at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital. It marks a significant step in the implementation of the Supreme Court’s December 2, 2022 judgment mandating INEC to undertake a delineation exercise in the federal constituency, which comprises Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas.

Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, presented the report to Chief Victor Okumagba (Urhobo), Dr. Andrew Igban (Itsekiri), and Dr. Joel Bisina (Ijaw), who received it on behalf of their respective ethnic groups.

Speaking during the event, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu—represented by National Commissioner supervising Cross River, Delta, and Edo States, Prof. Rhoda Gumus—emphasized the importance of the meeting, which is the fifth engagement with stakeholders since the Supreme Court ruling.

Yakubu praised the active participation of the stakeholders and their commitment to democratic principles, saying, “Your presence here today demonstrates your belief in the Commission’s neutrality and dedication to fairness.”

He recalled that at the last engagement meeting held on July 8, 2024, in Warri, the Commission had concluded discussions with stakeholders and pledged to commence fieldwork. That exercise was successfully carried out from July 10 to 27, 2024.

“The entire people of the Warri Federal Constituency played their role as committed citizens,” Yakubu noted, while also thanking the Delta State Governor for providing the necessary support and enabling environment.

In his remarks, REC Umoren described the presentation as a milestone in the journey towards electoral justice and inclusion, noting that it symbolizes the shared determination to move forward from the court ruling to practical implementation.

“The report of the fieldwork is a critical cornerstone towards the implementation of the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency,” he said.

Umoren detailed the timeline of stakeholder engagements, beginning with the initial meeting held on February 15, 2023, followed by an expanded session on March 21, 2024, both in Asaba, and a final engagement in Warri on July 8, 2024, before fieldwork commenced.

He also extended appreciation to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Prof. Rhoda Gumus for their leadership and wisdom throughout the process.

The delineation report is expected to address longstanding concerns over fair political representation among the three ethnic nationalities within the constituency.