Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Delta State on Sunday staged a peaceful protest in Warri Federal Constituency, demanding the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The protesters, who gathered at Ogbe-Ijoh Market in Warri South Local Government Area, accused the Presidency of allegedly interfering in the electoral process and obstructing INEC from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the demonstrators called on the Federal Government to allow the electoral commission to implement the delineation exercise without external influence.
Some of the messages displayed during the protest urged INEC to respect the rule of law and proceed with the implementation of the approved state constituencies, registration areas and polling arrangements earlier presented to stakeholders.
Addressing the crowd, the spokesman for Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, insisted that INEC enjoys constitutional independence and should be allowed to execute the Supreme Court judgment without interference.
The protesters argued that the commission is empowered by the Constitution to perform its duties independently and should not be subjected to directives from any arm of government.
They further maintained that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the delineation matter remains binding on all authorities and institutions, stressing that compliance with the judgment is a constitutional obligation.
According to them, any attempt to delay or halt the implementation of the court ruling amounts to a threat to democratic principles and the rule of law.
The groups also rejected claims that security concerns should be used as a basis for suspending the exercise, alleging that such arguments were intended to frustrate the implementation of the court’s decision.
They urged security agencies to focus on addressing any genuine threats to public peace rather than obstructing the execution of a lawful judgment.
The protesters called on INEC to direct political parties to begin preparations for primaries in the newly created constituencies within Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They particularly expressed support for the creation of a new state constituency in Egbema Kingdom, saying the development would enhance political representation for communities that had long complained of marginalisation.
The demonstrators insisted that all eligible communities should be allowed to participate in elections based on the newly delineated constituencies and electoral boundaries as ordered by the apex court.
