By Our Correspondeent
Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State, have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the rule of law and protect democratic institutions by allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment ordering a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the constituency.
In an open letter addressed to the President and dated June 5, 2026, the groups expressed concern over reports that the Presidency had allegedly directed INEC to suspend further implementation of the electoral delineation exercise arising from the apex court’s judgment in the case of Hon. George U. Timinimi & Others v. INEC.
The groups argued that any interference with the implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision would undermine the rule of law, weaken democratic institutions, and threaten peace and stability in the Warri Federal Constituency.
According to them, the Supreme Court had, on December 2, 2022, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units across Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas to ensure equitable representation in future elections.
They noted that INEC subsequently embarked on consultations with stakeholders, conducted fieldwork, and eventually unveiled a final delineation report in May 2026. The report, they said, proposed the creation of two additional state constituencies in Warri North and Warri South-West, as well as a recommendation for the creation of a new federal constituency, subject to constitutional requirements.
The communities stated that the development was widely welcomed by stakeholders across the constituency as a major step toward addressing long-standing concerns over political representation.
However, they said the celebrations were short-lived following reports that the Presidency had instructed INEC to halt further action on the implementation of the report.
The groups maintained that any such directive would be contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and inconsistent with the President’s oath of office.
They reminded President Tinubu of his commitment to defend the Constitution, uphold the law, and act without fear or favour, arguing that the independence of INEC and the authority of the Supreme Court must be respected at all times.
“The rule of law in a democratic society requires that the decisions of the Supreme Court and the constitutional independence of INEC be respected by all authorities and institutions of government,” the letter stated.
The groups further cited Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities and persons in Nigeria to enforce decisions of the Supreme Court, describing any attempt to obstruct the implementation of the judgment as a dangerous precedent.
They also referenced Section 160(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the operational independence of INEC, insisting that the electoral body should be allowed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without external interference.
While urging the President to remain neutral in matters affecting the Warri Federal Constituency, the communities appealed to the Federal Government to safeguard democratic principles and ensure that the Supreme Court judgment is implemented in full.
Among their key demands were respect for INEC’s constitutional independence, strict adherence to the Supreme Court ruling, and the non-interference of the Presidency in the electoral delineation process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They expressed hope that the Federal Government would act in a manner that strengthens public confidence in democratic institutions and promotes fairness, justice, and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in the Warri Federal Constituency.
