The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored six State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following court judgments that directed the reinstatement of previously suppressed constituencies.
The restored constituencies are Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II and Warri North II.
INEC said political parties are expected to conduct primary elections in the affected constituencies between June 16 and June 25, 2026, to nominate candidates for the 2027 elections.
The commission also approved the restoration of additional constituencies in Benue, Jigawa and Kogi states in compliance with judicial directives.
Meanwhile, INEC has commenced implementation of the court-ordered ward delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency, a development that has generated mixed reactions and heightened tensions in parts of Delta State.
Amid the controversy, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for calm and called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tompolo acknowledged the ongoing occupation of oil and gas facilities in the Escravos and Warri River areas by women and youths from various communities protesting issues surrounding the delineation exercise.
He described the protesters as peaceful and urged all stakeholders to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
“Since yesterday, June 8, 2026, we are all living witnesses to the mass action by peaceful women and youths from our various communities occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas. Since then, many well-meaning Nigerians have been calling for a peaceful resolution of the impasse. I join all well-meaning Nigerians to call for a peaceful resolution,” he said.
Tompolo noted that the Ijaw people have a long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence and cautioned against any attempt to turn the protest violent.
“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways and we cannot deviate from our history. The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and the ensuing mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort,” he stated.
The Niger Delta leader also announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of community leaders to discuss the situation and chart a path toward a peaceful resolution.
“I am calling for calm no matter the situation. I am also calling for a meeting of community leaders to meet immediately to enable us devise a way forward. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse,” he said.
Tompolo further urged INEC to act fairly and in the interest of justice to ensure lasting peace in Warri and surrounding communities.
“INEC must determine to do the right thing and restore peace in Warri and environs. We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to remain calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” he added.
The ward and polling unit delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency has remained a contentious issue, triggering protests and the occupation of several oil and gas facilities in parts of Delta State. INEC’s implementation of the court-ordered report is expected to play a key role in resolving the longstanding electoral representation dispute in the area.
