By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s already fragile economy may face fresh pressure following the shutdown of multiple oil production facilities in Warri, Delta State, by protesting women and youths demanding the implementation of the recently approved ward delineation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The protesters, drawn from Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Egbema, Diebiri and other Ijaw and Urhobo communities within the Warri Federal Constituency, on Monday halted operations at no fewer than 13 oil flow stations, warning that crude oil production would remain suspended until their demands are met.
Among the affected facilities are Olero Creek Flow Station, Dibi Field Flow Station, Opuekeba Flow Station, Abiteye Flow Station in Kenyagbene, Otunana Flow Station, Jones Creek Flow Station, Egwa I and II Flow Stations, Odidi 1 and 2 Flow Stations, Batan Flow Station and Ogbanabou Flow Station.
The protesters carried placards bearing messages such as: “INEC: Implement Warri Delineation Report,” “Court-Ordered Judgment on Wards and Polling Units Delineation,” and “No Implementation, No Production.”
Their action comes barely days after Ijaw and Urhobo leaders threatened to shut down oil production across the area if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to implement the final ward delineation report arising from a Supreme Court judgment.
Community sources estimated that the affected facilities collectively account for more than 120,000 barrels of crude oil per day, raising concerns about the potential impact on national oil output and federation revenue should the standoff persist.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Mrs. Maria Ebike accused INEC of delaying the implementation of a process that had already been concluded following extensive consultations with stakeholders.
According to her, the delineation exercise was intended to address longstanding concerns over political representation and ensure fairness among the ethnic nationalities in the Warri Federal Constituency.
“We have waited patiently for the authorities to do the right thing. If our voices continue to be ignored, we have no option but to demand justice through peaceful protest. No implementation of the ward delineation, no oil production,” she declared.
Also addressing protesters, opinion leader Mrs. Fanty Goodness Owotorufa insisted that the communities were merely demanding compliance with the law.
“INEC has already completed the delineation exercise and presented its report. What remains is implementation. We are peaceful people, but we want the electoral commission to obey the judgment of the Supreme Court and implement the report,” she said.
Similarly, Dr. Paul Boyitie, immediate past secretary and opinion leader of Benikrukru Community, accused INEC of withholding implementation despite successfully concluding the exercise.
He recalled that the Supreme Court in 2022 ordered a fresh ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency, which was subsequently conducted by INEC, culminating in the presentation of a final report to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20, 2026.
“The report clearly identified the wards occupied by the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities. Stakeholders were invited, objections were considered and the final report was presented.
“The question is: why is INEC refusing to implement its own report? We will not allow anyone to determine our political future. We want to participate fully in the 2027 elections under the approved delineation structure,” Boyitie stated.
At the Otunana Flow Station, protesters echoed similar sentiments.
Speaking on behalf of Kokodiagbene Community, Edith Odafe said the protest was solely aimed at securing implementation of the approved wards and state constituencies announced by INEC.
“The exercise was conducted peacefully and the result was presented to stakeholders. What we are asking for now is implementation. We have shut down this flow station and we will continue until our demands are met,” she said.
Another community representative, Mrs. Gladys Kele, stressed that the protesters were only demanding what they considered their legitimate rights.
“We don’t want trouble. We don’t want conflict. We only want the approved wards allocated to our communities to be implemented. Nobody should take what belongs to us,” she said.
The protesters maintained that their action remained peaceful but warned that the shutdown would continue until concrete steps were taken to implement the delineation framework.
The development has heightened tension across the oil-rich Warri axis and sparked concerns among industry stakeholders over the possible economic consequences of a prolonged disruption to crude oil production.
As of press time, neither the affected oil companies nor INEC had issued official statements on the shutdown, while security agencies were said to be monitoring developments across the affected communities.
Community leaders, however, reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue, insisting that implementation of the ward delineation report remains non-negotiable.
The latest protest marks another chapter in the long-running dispute over political representation, electoral boundaries and resource control within the Warri Federal Constituency—a matter that continues to generate intense debate among stakeholders across Delta State.
