Advocacy Group Faults INEC’s Proposed Continuous Voter Registration Exercise Without Implementing Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation Report -

‎By Uche Alvin

OPEN LETTER TO THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC)
‎RE: ILLEGALITY OF COMMENCING THE 2025 CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION IN WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY WITHOUT IMPLEMENTATION OF WARD DELINEATION, AS MANDATED BY THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA.
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‎The Chairman,
‎Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
‎INEC Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.
‎Sir,
‎
‎We write to formally express grave concern over the planned commencement of the 2025 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, which is scheduled to begin nationwide via Online Pre-Registration from August 18, 2025, and In-Person Registration from August 25, 2025.
‎While we recognize and support the constitutional mandate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain and update the National Register of Voters, we must emphasize that INEC lacks the legal authority to proceed with the CVR exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency without first complying with the Supreme Court judgment mandating the delineation and full implementation of electoral wards in the area.
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‎SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT ON WARD DELINEATION IN WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
‎In the landmark Supreme Court’s judgment in Hon. George Timinimi & Others v. INEC (SC.413/2016), mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out a fresh and lawful ward delineation exercise in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West LGAs that make up the Warri Federal Constituency.
‎In its unanimous decision, the Supreme Court further declared that no future elections and electoral activities should take place in the Warri Federal Constituency without proper ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency to reflect current realities and correct decades of administrative injustice.
‎This judgment is final, binding, and enforceable, and INEC is under a legal obligation to comply fully before engaging in any electoral activity, including voter registration in the Warri Federal Constituency.
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‎IMPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION (CVR)
‎In light of this judgment, it is indisputably illegal, premature, and administratively irresponsible for INEC to commence any form of voter registration in Warri Federal Constituency without:
‎1.Implementing the Supreme Court judgment by concluding the Ward Delineation exercise;
‎2.Publishing and releasing the Final Fieldwork Report of the delineation;
‎3.Ensuring that all voter registration activities are carried out in accordance with properly delineated and constitutionally recognized electoral wards.
‎Any electoral exercise conducted in contravention of this legal directive will be rendered null, void, and of no effect, exposing INEC to further litigation, contempt of court proceedings and the erosion of public trust.
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‎OUR DEMANDS
‎Accordingly, we demand the following immediate actions from INEC:
‎1.Suspend all CVR-related activities in Warri Federal Constituency pending full implementation of the Ward Delineation;
‎2.Release the Final Fieldwork Report of the delineation exercise without further delay;
‎3.Uphold the rule of law and ensure all electoral exercises within Warri Federal Constituency are legally grounded and procedurally fair.
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‎CONCLUSION
‎We believe that INEC, as an independent institution established to serve the Nigerian people, must always act within the ambit of the law. It must not allow administrative convenience to override constitutional mandates or judicial authority.
‎The people of Warri Federal Constituency deserve electoral justice and this begins with the release of the final fieldwork report without further delay. We urge INEC to act swiftly, lawfully and transparently.
‎We remain committed to democratic engagement and lawful advocacy, and we shall not hesitate to explore legal options if INEC proceeds with any activity in defiance of the Supreme Court’s judgment.
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‎Yours sincerely,
‎
‎Ebiowei Kuro
‎President
‎
‎Ovo Rukevwe
‎Publicity Secretary
‎Concerned Citizens of Warri Federal Constituency.