Delta Lawmakers Criticize INEC for Changes to Warri Ward Structure Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates in Delta State to avoid violence, vote-buying, and spreading false election results as the 2027 general elections approach. Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Delta, issued this warning during a meeting in Asaba.

Umoren emphasized that no political ambition is worth risking lives or causing property damage. He also reminded parties not to announce election results outside the established legal procedures and urged them to educate their supporters against sharing misleading information.

Concerns were raised by two members of the Delta State House of Assembly regarding recent changes to the ward structure in Warri South Local Government Area. Lawmakers Austin Uroye and Benson Obire called on INEC to review these changes, which they claim increased the number of wards to 20 after political parties had already held their primaries.

Uroye expressed confusion over the new arrangements, noting that polling unit information no longer matched the updated ward structure. He argued that stakeholders should have been consulted before any changes were made. Obire echoed these concerns, stating that the changes could undermine the credibility of the upcoming elections.

Umoren assured that INEC is preparing for the elections by improving logistics, training staff, and ensuring security. He reported that Delta State has over 3.5 million registered voters, highlighting the importance of maintaining an accurate voters’ register.

He also discussed the use of technology to enhance transparency but cautioned that technology alone cannot guarantee fair elections without proper training and implementation. Umoren called for collaboration among political parties, civil society, and community leaders to promote peaceful participation in the electoral process.

In response to these developments, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Etaifo Erale, assured residents that security agencies would work together to ensure peaceful elections. He warned that any law violations would be dealt with, regardless of political affiliation.

Local leaders, including religious figures and traditional rulers, also urged for peaceful elections, emphasizing that political positions should not be treated as life-and-death matters. They called for accountability and respect for the electoral process.