Tension is escalating in Warri Federal constituency as Ijaws and Urhobos have pledged to oppose any efforts to modify the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding electoral ward delineation and polling units in the area.
Both groups assert that disregarding the Supreme Court’s decision to favour the Itsekiri would be unjust and could trigger instability in the constituency.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Warri, Chief Monday Keme, Principal Secretary to the Amakosowei of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom, emphasised that the unanimous judgment from December 2, 2022, directs INEC to create new electoral wards and polling units across Warri North, South, and South-West constituencies.
“It is a fact that the Court order is essential and a prerequisite for future elections,” Chief Keme explained, warning that any attempt to alter the Court’s decision would face strong resistance.
“Failure of INEC to complete the process of fresh delineation portends grave danger and risks no election in the federal constituency in 2027 and beyond,” Keme stated emphatically.
He condemned recent actions by the Itsekiri, accusing them of trying to influence President Bola Tinubu by pressuring his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene in the ward delineation process, which he claimed would damage the nation’s image.
“We believe the president and his wife, with their solid democratic credentials, will not fall for these ill-conceived and mischievous antics,” the spokesman concluded, urging all parties to respect the legal ruling.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
