A coalition of Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people from the Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State has issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for strict adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles in the ongoing delineation of electoral wards and polling units.
The letter, addressed to the President and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, references a court order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh delineation of wards and polling units across Warri South West, Warri North, and Warri South Local Government Areas. The coalition argues that this judicial directive must be respected to ensure free and fair future elections.
Citing the President’s oath of office, the group reminds Tinubu of his pledge to discharge duties faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution, without allowing personal interests to influence official decisions. They emphasize the constitutional provision that Supreme Court decisions must be enforced by all authorities and persons across the federation.
The letter further highlights the constitutional guarantee that INEC’s powers to regulate its own procedures are not subject to presidential approval or control. This, the coalition asserts, underscores the need for the executive branch to respect the independence of the electoral body and the judiciary.
By urging President Tinubu to uphold these legal frameworks, the Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people seek to prevent any arbitrary reconfiguration of the Warri Federal Constituency that could disenfranchise their communities. The open letter serves as a plea for justice and transparency in the electoral process.
