JUST IN: Ijaw, Urhobo Leaders Speak On INEC’s Warri Delineation Report, New Constituencies

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

Leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri have welcomed the final report of the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency, calling it a major step toward ending years of political imbalance and agitations in Warri and its environs.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final outcome on, creating 20 wards and restructuring six state constituencies within Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas. The report allocated nine wards to the Urhobo, eight to the Itsekiri, and three to the Ijaw in Warri South constituency 2.

In a press briefing held in Warri today, the Community leaders from both the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups said the exercise had addressed long-standing grievances over representation and would help restore trust among the ethnic groups in the constituency.

“This report is a victory for fairness and justice. For years, our people have demanded equal treatment in the sharing of political structures. INEC has now corrected that imbalance,” one Ijaw leader said.

Urhobo stakeholders echoed similar sentiments, noting that the new ward and constituency arrangement provides a clearer framework for political participation and resource allocation. They urged all parties to embrace the outcome and avoid actions that could undermine the peace process.

The delineation followed a 2022 Supreme Court judgment directing INEC to carry out a fresh ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency to reflect equity among the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw populations.

INEC said the fieldwork and stakeholder consultations were conducted across the three local government areas to ensure the process was inclusive and data-driven. The commission urged residents to maintain calm and cooperate with the implementation of the new structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

Analysts say the acceptance of the report by key Ijaw and Urhobo leaders could reduce tensions that have historically marred elections in the Warri area and create space for joint development efforts.

Leaders from both communities called on youths and political actors to prioritize unity and use the new constituencies to advance peace, security, and economic growth in the region.