Tension erupted in Abuja on Monday as angry youths from Warri Federal Constituency stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding urgent implementation of a ward delineation exercise backed by a Supreme Court judgment.
The protesters accused INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, of deliberately delaying the process despite what they described as a clear directive from the apex court.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “No Delineation, No Election” and chanting solidarity songs, the demonstrators warned that elections in Warri could be disrupted if the matter is not resolved.
Speaking during the protest, youth leader Ellington Bakumor said the community had lost patience with what he called repeated delays and political interference.
“We are not here to beg INEC again. The Supreme Court has spoken and INEC already carried out the delineation exercise in the presence of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo representatives,” he said.
He alleged that objections were only raised after the report was produced, questioning why the commission had not released it.
“Our patience has expired… If INEC refuses to do the right thing, there will be serious consequences,” he warned.
Also speaking, Johnny Toms insisted that the Supreme Court ruling must be implemented without delay, stating that failure to do so could affect electoral participation in the area.
“If there is no delineation, there will be no election in Warri,” he said.
In response, INEC’s Assistant Director of Security, Mohammed Hamma, received the protesters’ petition and assured them that the leadership of the commission would address their concerns.
He noted that the INEC chairman and national commissioners were away on official duties but said the petition would be duly forwarded.
“The chairman will definitely see this document. INEC is committed to ensuring that whatever issue exists will be addressed accordingly,” he said.
Despite the assurance, the protesters vowed to continue their agitation until the delineation report is fully implemented, warning that failure to act could heighten tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
