BREAKING: Presidency Denies Interfering in Warri Delineation, Warns Against Disruption of Oil Production
By EgbemaVoice
The Presidency has dismissed allegations that it is influencing or delaying the implementation of the ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency, insisting that the matter remains within the constitutional responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and must be handled in accordance with court judgments.
The clarification comes amid escalating protests by Ijaw and Urhobo groups over the implementation of the Supreme Court-ordered ward delineation in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State. Protesters have accused the Presidency of pressuring INEC to suspend implementation of the final delineation report presented to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20, 2026.
13 Oil Facilities Shut Down
The crisis has taken an economic dimension, with protesters occupying and shutting down at least 13 major oil flow stations in the Warri axis. The affected facilities are operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Chevron Nigeria Limited and Nestoil/Neconde. Industry sources estimate that the shutdown could affect up to 400,000 barrels of crude oil production daily if the standoff continues.
Among the affected facilities are Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye, Makaraba, Olero Creek, Dibi Field and Opuekeba flow stations. Protesters have vowed to maintain the shutdown until INEC implements the delineation report.
Protesters Demand Immediate Implementation
The demonstrators argue that INEC has already completed the delineation exercise as directed by the Supreme Court and publicly presented the final report. They insist that only implementation remains and have adopted the slogan: “No Implementation, No Production.”
Community leaders say the exercise was intended to address longstanding concerns over political representation in the Warri Federal Constituency and have accused authorities of delaying justice.
Presidency’s Position
According to sources familiar with the Presidency’s stance, the Federal Government maintains that INEC is an independent constitutional body and that any court-ordered delineation process should be implemented according to law, without political interference. The Presidency has also expressed concern over attempts to disrupt oil production, warning that actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s economy and energy sector could have serious consequences for national revenue and stability.
Growing Tension Ahead of 2027 Elections
The delineation dispute stems from a 2022 Supreme Court judgment ordering a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency. Since INEC unveiled its final report, disagreements among Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri stakeholders have intensified, with various groups taking opposing positions on the outcome.
Political observers warn that if not carefully managed, the dispute could affect preparations for the 2027 general elections and further heighten ethnic and political tensions in the Warri area.
The Federal Government, INEC, community leaders and other stakeholders are now under increasing pressure to find a peaceful resolution that upholds the rule of law while safeguarding national economic interests.
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