(DDM) – Lawmakers at the national level have called for a thorough investigation into the ongoing delineation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Warri Federal Constituency.
DDM gathered that the move followed growing concerns over alleged irregularities and perceived marginalization in the redefinition of constituency boundaries, raising fears of potential political crises.
On Thursday, 27 November 2025, the matter was formally raised in the Senate, with several senators highlighting discrepancies in how the new boundaries were drawn.
The lawmakers argued that certain communities might be unfairly disadvantaged, potentially affecting their political representation in the House of Representatives and access to federal resources.
A motion was tabled and debated extensively in the upper chamber, urging the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission to carry out a comprehensive review of the exercise.
Senators stressed the need for transparency and impartiality to ensure that every voter in Warri is fairly represented and that electoral equity is preserved.
The motion also called for INEC to provide detailed reports on the criteria used in the delineation and to clarify how public consultations were conducted.
Some legislators expressed concern that the process, if left unchecked, could exacerbate tensions among communities already experiencing political rivalry and socio-economic competition.
Residents of affected areas have reacted with anxiety, fearing that the boundary adjustments may influence local government allocations, development projects, and voting patterns in upcoming elections.
Civil society organizations and political observers have also urged INEC to uphold fairness, warning that any perceived bias could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Senators emphasized that the role of the upper chamber is to act as a safeguard, ensuring that national institutions operate within legal frameworks and in the best interest of citizens.
The debate included calls for immediate dialogue with community leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to address grievances arising from the proposed boundary changes.
Members of the Senate noted that previous exercises in other states have occasionally triggered disputes, protests, and litigation, highlighting the need for preventive measures in Warri.
The lawmakers pledged to follow up with INEC, insisting that the delineation must comply fully with the Electoral Act and avoid disenfranchisement of any voter.
Legal experts say that failure to conduct the process transparently could result in court challenges that might delay elections and create political instability.
Some senators recommended that independent auditors and civic monitors be engaged to observe the delineation exercise and provide credible assessments of its fairness.
The motion has now been referred to the Senate Committee on INEC for further scrutiny, with reports expected within a specified timeframe to guide possible legislative action.
Observers say the development demonstrates increasing parliamentary oversight of electoral processes and the growing influence of senators in protecting constituent interests.
Residents and political actors await the outcome of the investigation, hoping it will restore confidence, ensure equitable representation, and prevent future electoral disputes in Warri.
The Senate’s intervention, if successful, could set a precedent for similar oversight in other federal constituencies experiencing contentious boundary adjustments.