A bid by former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters to stop the ongoing delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was on Wednesday blocked on the Senate floor by Delta lawmakers, Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) and Ede Dafinone (Delta Central).
The two senators strongly opposed the motion, stressing that INEC’s constitutional independence must be upheld and noting that the matter is already before a competent court.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, speaking in objection, reminded his colleagues that the 1999 Constitution grants INEC the authority to carry out constituency delineation without outside interference.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, this motion directly affects my constituency, Delta South Senatorial District, and I am well-acquainted with the issues. However, I must refer the chamber to Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers INEC to conduct delineation exercises,” he said.
He also cited Section 158 and Part I of the Third Schedule of the Constitution, underscoring that the independence of INEC should not be compromised by legislative action.
“Ordinarily, this is not a matter for the National Assembly. INEC’s independence prevents us from interfering in its operations. Anyone with concerns should seek redress through the courts,” he added.
Joel-Onowakpo further revealed that the issue had already been brought before the Federal High Court in Warri (Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/372/25), where some parties had challenged INEC’s delineation process.
“I therefore urge that we allow due process to take its course in court and let this matter rest,” he concluded.
Supporting his Delta South colleague, Senator Ede Dafinone of Delta Central reinforced the opposition to the motion, warning that legislative interference could undermine public trust in both INEC and the Senate. “Mr. President, the delineation of constituencies by INEC is a constitutional responsibility designed to ensure fairness and social balance,” Dafinone said. “Any legislative inquiry into this matter, especially one that could appear partisan or localized, risks compromising both INEC’s neutrality and the integrity of the Senate.”
He noted that the issue has lingered for over 12 years, with multiple court rulings affirming INEC’s authority to proceed with the exercise. “The courts have consistently ruled that INEC should continue. Every attempt to block the release of the delineation report has failed, including a subsequent case at the Abuja High Court. We must not set a precedent for endless obstruction,” Dafinone added.
Following the interventions by the two Delta senators, several lawmakers cautioned against breaching constitutional limits or overstepping judicial and electoral boundaries.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, recognizing the sensitivity of the issue, called for restraint and directed that any further consideration take into account the constitutional and judicial implications already highlighted.
The debate, which drew robust contributions from multiple senators, ultimately prevented the Senate from mandating its Committee on Electoral Matters to investigate or suspend INEC’s delineation process in Warri. Thanks to the interventions of Senators Joel-Onowakpo and Dafinone, the Senate deferred action on the motion, reinforcing INEC’s independence and reaffirming the rule of law in the ongoing electoral boundary adjustments in Delta State.
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