INEC denies suspending ward delineation in Warri constituency

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has not suspended the proposed delineation of wards in the Warri constituency of Delta state.

Delineation refers to the process of dividing or mapping out geographical areas into constituencies, wards, or polling units for electoral purposes.

A supreme court judgement delivered on December 2, 2022, had directed the INEC to undertake the delineation of wards in Warri north, Warri south, and Warri south-west LGAs.

In compliance with the ruling, the commission began a series of consultations with stakeholders in February 2023, across the affected LGAs.

In a statement on Monday, Sam Olumekun, INEC national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, said the electoral body’s attention has been drawn to a report where an official of the commission “was misquoted” on the proposed delineation of the wards.

“The Commission hereby affirms that contrary to the report, the proposed delineation has not been suspended, and no final decision has been taken on the matter,” the statement reads.

“Meanwhile, the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) is being undertaken in all the local government areas under the said constituency.

“We appeal to all the parties connected to the matter to continue to maintain the peace in the area.”

In April, INEC had said it was yet to take a final decision on the delineation of wards in the Warri federal constituency.