(DDM) – Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo leaders in Warri Federal Constituency have warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against continuing the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise without first implementing a Supreme Court ruling on ward delineation.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the leaders issued the caution during a press briefing, stressing that ignoring the ruling would violate democratic principles and disenfranchise eligible voters in the constituency.
The community leaders stated that proceeding with voter registration under the current arrangement would undermine the rule of law and compromise electoral fairness.
They further accused INEC of compromising its independence by failing to comply with judicial directives issued to ensure fair and equitable ward delineation.
The group demanded the immediate release and implementation of the final report on electoral wards, noting that any delay could escalate political tensions in the state.
According to the statement, INEC’s reluctance to act on the Supreme Court order risks deepening mistrust in the electoral process and suppressing voter participation.
Stakeholders stressed that compliance with the court ruling is vital to safeguarding the integrity of the 2027 elections and protecting citizens’ rights to fair representation.
Political analysts observe that Warri Federal Constituency has long battled concerns over electoral inclusivity and fair access to polling units.
The leaders warned that conducting the CVR exercise under the present structure would effectively silence large sections of the constituency, particularly those in newly delineated areas.
Observers suggest that failure to implement the ruling could spark legal battles, civil protests, and further strain relations between INEC and grassroots communities.
The Ijaw and Urhobo leaders insist that their call is not politically motivated but rooted in the constitutional imperative to uphold judicial authority.
INEC has yet to issue an official response to the latest warning, though insiders claim consultations are ongoing to resolve the dispute.
Civil society groups have also called for transparency, urging INEC to publish timelines for implementing the ward delineation before resuming CVR activities.
The statement concluded by stressing that adherence to the Supreme Court directive would strengthen democracy and rebuild public confidence in electoral governance.
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