Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF) Lauds INEC’s Warri Ward Delineation Efforts, Urges Creation of More Wards and Polling Units.
By Warefa Pereke.
April 18, 2025.
The Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF) has voiced its approval of the recent electoral ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency. This redrawing of electoral boundaries, mandated by a December 2022 Supreme Court ruling, has been lauded by the EGYPF as a significant step towards fairer representation.
Barrister Ebigbagha S. Baidi, the EGYPF chairman, expressed gratitude to numerous individuals and bodies, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, and INEC National Commissioner, Rhoda Gamus. He specifically praised their swift response to the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of their prompt action in conducting the delineation exercise.
The fieldwork report, presented by the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, was received with enthusiasm. Baidi declared that the results clearly demonstrate the significant Ijaw presence within the Warri Federal Constituency, refuting any notion of them being a minority group.
However, the Egbema Youth Political Forum also highlighted a need for further adjustments. Baidi pointed out that Egbema Kingdom, with its substantial population and landmass, deserves more than the currently allocated ten wards. He argued that two Egbema communities alone surpass the combined population of all Itsekiri villages, a compelling case for additional representation.
The EGYPF urged INEC and all stakeholders to remain undeterred by any opposition to the report’s findings, urging all parties to embrace the results in the interest of peace and stability. They stressed the importance of constructive dialogue over hostile rhetoric, emphasizing the shared geographical space and the need for unity.
Expressing their appreciation, they said “Our profound gratitude goes to Barrister George Timinimi, Barrister Eric Omare, Barrister Ugha Kurumah, and others for their bold move in approaching the court, which has brought about the desired result. We also acknowledge with appreciation the efforts of Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, our revered leader, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpempolo, aka Tompolo, and other notable leaders for creating a conducive environment that ensured a violence-free process, especially during the fieldwork.”
EGYPF specifically highlighted their roles in ensuring a peaceful and violence-free process.
The EGYPF leadership also called upon the Itsekiri monarch to address the negative comments directed at Tompolo, urging a cessation of such disrespectful remarks.
Finally, Baidi shared the report’s key findings: in Warri North, Ijaws hold 10 wards and Itsekiris 8; in Warri Southwest, Ijaws have 15 wards and Itsekiris 4; and in Warri South, Ijaws hold 3 wards, Itsekiris 8, and Urohbos 9. While acknowledging these figures, he reiterated the EGYPF’s plea for increased representation for the Egbema people, saying that their significant presence warrants a greater share of electoral wards.
