By Akpos Oje
A Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out a lawsuit filed by two Itsekiri stakeholders attempting to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from redrawing electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.
The case—filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/443/2024—was brought by Hon. Appearance Afejuku and Mr. Emmanuel Nunu, who serves as Secretary of Warri South Local Government Area. The plaintiffs sought to block INEC’s proposed delineation plans across Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West LGAs.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Omotosho dismissed the matter outright, describing it as lacking in merit and constituting an abuse of court process. The court not only struck out the suit but also ordered the plaintiffs to pay a total of ₦4 million in legal costs, with interest accruing at 10% per annum until payment is made.
Observers have interpreted the failed legal action as an effort to stall long-overdue electoral restructuring in the Warri area—reforms many believe are necessary to address decades-old claims of marginalization and underrepresentation of minority groups.
With the suit now dismissed, INEC is expected to move forward with plans for a comprehensive delineation exercise—something communities across the constituency have long demanded. Advocacy groups and concerned stakeholders see the judgment as a win for electoral justice and inclusivity.
Attention now shifts to INEC as residents await details on how and when the final electoral boundary adjustment will take place.
