Hundreds of Ijaw protesters, comprising traditional leaders, youth groups, and representatives from various communities in Delta State, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, staged a peaceful demonstration at the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. Their mission was clear—to express overwhelming support for the recent ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency, which they described as a long-overdue correction of political marginalisation.
The demonstrators, hailing from the Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba communities, carried placards and banners affirming their endorsement of INEC’s delineation exercise. They praised the commission for what they termed a fair, transparent, and inclusive process, marking a significant milestone in the political emancipation of the Ijaw ethnic group within the constituency.
Addressing INEC officials during the protest, spokesperson for the Ijaw kingdoms, Mr. David Reje, reiterated that the ward delineation exercise was not only lawful but followed the due process mandated by a 2022 Supreme Court ruling. According to him, the commission had carried out broad consultations with stakeholders, including representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
Reje commended INEC for upholding the judgment of the apex court and resisting external pressures to reverse the decision. “We have come here to appreciate you for remaining steadfast in implementing the Supreme Court judgment. You engaged the people. You listened to the communities. This is what democracy should be,” he said.
Describing the new ward structure as a victory for political justice, he added: “Today, we have left our Egypt of political slavery and arrived at our promised land of dignity. Nobody will dictate councilorship or leadership choices for us again. The Ijaw people have reclaimed their identity.”
Receiving the delegation, INEC National Commissioners, Professor Abdullahi Zuru and Malam Mohammed Haruna, assured the protesters of the commission’s unwavering commitment to democracy, rule of law, and due process.
“We thank you for coming peacefully and expressing your position in a democratic manner. It is encouraging to see stakeholders engaging with the process,” said Prof. Zuru. “INEC remains committed to a transparent delineation process that serves all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic or political affiliations.”
The Commissioners reiterated that the delineation process followed extensive stakeholder engagement in Warri and Asaba, as well as technical assessments by INEC’s internal experts. They reaffirmed that the final outcome would reflect equity, inclusion, and legal precedent.
The new ward delineation, presented publicly by INEC on April 5, 2025, has restructured the allocation of wards across the three local government areas within Warri Federal Constituency. According to the report:
Warri North Local Government Area now has 18 wards: 10 allocated to Ijaw communities and 8 to Itsekiri communities.
South-West Warri LGA has 19 wards: 14 for Ijaw and 5 for Itsekiri.
Warri South LGA features 20 wards, with 3 for Ijaw, 8 for Itsekiri, and 9 for the Urhobo ethnic group.
The reallocation is being widely hailed by the Ijaw ethnic group as a rebalancing of political power and a necessary corrective measure to decades of perceived exclusion.
Amid growing public discussions on the implications of the new ward arrangement, INEC has issued a formal statement to clarify its position. In a release signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the electoral body stressed that the delineation report remains a draft subject to final ratification.
“No final decision has been made,” the statement read. “INEC invites continued feedback from all stakeholders. The Commission remains open to constructive input and urges parties to refrain from any activity that may compromise peace and security in the region.”
The commission further reiterated its adherence to fairness, the rule of law, and inclusive governance.
Political observers believe that the ward restructuring could significantly influence upcoming local government elections in Delta State. By increasing representation for the Ijaw ethnic group, analysts suggest the new structure could lead to a more balanced political landscape and reduce long-standing tensions between ethnic communities in Warri.
Community leaders from Gbaramatu and Egbema have echoed these sentiments, calling on other ethnic groups to embrace the process and work together to build unity in the region. “This is not a win for one group over another—it is a win for democracy and for the rule of law,” said Chief Timipa Ekpetiama, a traditional leader from Egbema.
The peaceful protest in Abuja reflects a growing trend of civic engagement and legal redress among historically marginalised communities in Nigeria. As INEC finalises the delineation exercise, stakeholders across Delta State and beyond will be watching closely to see whether the promises of equity and fair representation become fully realised in Nigeria’s democratic journey.