Presidency Refutes Claims of Interference in Warri Ward Delineation and Warns Against Disruptions

The Nigerian Presidency has denied claims that President Bola Tinubu or the federal government interfered in the ongoing ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State. They insist that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is independent in carrying out its duties.

This statement comes amid rising tensions over a Supreme Court-backed delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency. This situation has led to protests, political conflicts, and disruptions to oil and gas operations in the region.

In response to PREMIUM TIMES’ inquiry on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the Presidency did not give any directive to INEC about the exercise.

"The Presidency has not issued any directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the implementation of the delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency," Mr Onanuga stated.

He pointed out that INEC is "an independent constitutional institution" with the power to carry out its responsibilities according to the Constitution, relevant laws, and court decisions.

"The position of the Federal Government is clear and consistent: lawful court judgments should be respected and implemented through the right constitutional and institutional processes," he said.

Mr Onanuga mentioned that any issues arising from the delineation should be handled through lawful engagement with the relevant authorities. He also said that the Presidency has no knowledge of any decision by INEC that changed the commission's responsibilities and advised that questions about the implementation of the exercise should be directed to INEC.

"The Federal Government has no interest in interfering with the independence of INEC or undermining the rule of law," he added. He noted that President Tinubu is committed to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring public institutions operate without interference.

Concerns Over Oil Facility Disruptions

The Presidency also expressed worry about reports that protests related to the delineation issue have affected oil and gas facilities in the Warri area.

"While citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful expression and lawful protest, actions that disrupt economic activities, threaten public safety, or damage national infrastructure are not acceptable," Mr Onanuga said.

He emphasized that critical national assets must not be endangered under any circumstances. He urged all parties to pursue their concerns peacefully and lawfully.

"The Federal Government remains committed to peace, dialogue, the rule of law, and preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions," he added.

Background to the Issue

The Presidency's response follows allegations from a group called Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo People in Warri Federal Constituency. They claim that President Tinubu and senior federal officials are interfering with INEC’s implementation of the delineation exercise.

In a letter to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, which was sent to several federal authorities, the group also claimed that due to Mr Tinubu’s marital ties with the Itsekiris, the Presidency is pressuring the electoral commission to stop or change the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment. This judgment mandates a new delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the federal constituency that benefits the Ijaws and Urhobo communities.

The group warned that any deviation from the court’s decision could harm public confidence in democratic institutions and heighten ethnic tensions in the oil-rich area.

The issue arises from INEC’s efforts to enforce a Supreme Court judgement related to a long-standing dispute over the delineation of electoral wards in Warri Federal Constituency, which includes Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North local government areas.

This exercise has led to disagreements among ethnic groups in the area, especially the Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri communities, each accusing the others of trying to gain political advantage through the delineation process.