09, June 2026
Niger Delta rights activist and environmental advocate, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately implement its final report on the Supreme Court-mandated ward and polling unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency. He warned that further delays risk reigniting tensions in the area.
Mulade, a prominent Delta State peace and development advocate, also commended Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for taking proactive steps to avert a potential crisis among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups in the constituency.
In a personally signed statement released to journalists, Mulade — the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) party primaries winner and candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections — called on electoral authorities to move quickly to prevent a recurrence of the violent Warri crises of 1997–2003, which he said had devastating effects on communities across the Niger Delta.
*Rising Tensions Over Delineation*
According to Mulade, implementation of the Supreme Court-backed delineation covering Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North LGAs has heightened ethnic tensions in the constituency. He cautioned that if the process is not managed transparently and fairly, it could inflame longstanding grievances.
“The situation must be handled with utmost caution and urgency. Any delay or perceived injustice in the implementation of the delineation report could reopen old wounds and push the area into an avoidable crisis,” he stated.
Mulade stressed that Warri Federal Constituency is particularly sensitive due to its ethnic diversity and its strategic role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He warned that a breakdown of peace could disrupt oil production and threaten national economic stability.
*Call for Transparent Implementation*
He appealed directly to INEC to execute the final delineation report strictly in line with the Supreme Court’s directive, noting that transparency and fairness are essential to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
Mulade argued that inaction could undermine democratic stability in the region and undo years of fragile peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta.
*Commendation for State Government, Appeal for Collaboration*
The Ibe-Sorimowei of the oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom and human rights activist further urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to deepen collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace across the affected LGAs.
He praised Oborevwori’s administration for its proactive approach to preventing conflict among the major ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency.
Stakeholders across the region are closely monitoring developments as pressure mounts for INEC to implement the delineation exercise, which many view as key to resolving persistent electoral and communal disputes in the constituency.
