The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what it described as a landmark step in the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic values through the recent boundary review and delineation exercise conducted in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.
The constituency, which comprises Warri South, Warri West, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, has been a subject of intense political debate and agitation over the years due to longstanding allegations of marginalisation and unequal representation among its diverse ethnic groups—namely the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw.
HURIWA, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, hailed INEC for what it termed an “exemplary commitment to constitutionalism and democratic justice,” particularly for adhering strictly to the Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 2, 2022. That landmark ruling had directed INEC to conduct a fresh, transparent, and constitutionally compliant delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency in line with demographic realities and equitable political representation.
According to HURIWA, INEC’s implementation of the court’s directive was not only timely but also executed in a manner that restored confidence in the electoral system. The rights group described the exercise as inclusive and participatory, citing the commission’s engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and key representatives from the three dominant ethnic nationalities in the area.
HURIWA commended the commission for recognising the grassroots legitimacy of local stakeholders, noting that such an approach underlines INEC’s responsiveness to the yearnings of communities that have long felt sidelined. Particularly noteworthy, according to the association, is the allocation of 10 wards to the Ijaw people in Warri North, a move seen as a bold effort to address historic political imbalance.
The association remarked that this fresh delineation marked a significant departure from decades of perceived administrative injustice and suppression. It stated that, for the first time in recent memory, the people of Warri Federal Constituency can anticipate elections where their votes will hold equal value and their ethnic identities will not be obscured by skewed political arrangements.
In a striking contrast to the often-violent expressions of political dissatisfaction in the country, HURIWA praised members of the Ijaw community for their peaceful demonstrations in support of the delineation exercise. The group described this development as a welcome sign of Nigeria’s democratic maturity, noting that such lawful and civil engagement presents a positive model for future political activism.
“This kind of peaceful advocacy is commendable. It stands in sharp contrast to the political thuggery and voter suppression that typically plague Nigeria’s electoral environment,” HURIWA stated.
The organisation, however, cautioned INEC to remain alert and resist any potential attempts by political interests to derail the outcome of the exercise through manipulation, misinformation, or intimidation. It urged the electoral body to protect the integrity of the delineation process and not yield to pressure from any quarter.
Furthermore, HURIWA called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to provide adequate protection for INEC staff and the communities impacted by the new delineation, emphasising that the commission must be allowed to carry out its constitutional duties without fear or interference.
“This boundary review is more than just a technical adjustment; it is a victory for justice, fairness, and inclusivity. It offers renewed hope to other marginalised communities across the country that democratic redress is possible through legal and peaceful means,” the association concluded.
The recent developments in Warri Federal Constituency may now serve as a critical reference point in Nigeria’s broader struggle for equitable representation, as INEC’s courage and professionalism in this case have set a new standard for how similar exercises should be conducted nationwide.
