Youth leaders from the Niger Delta region have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately suspend its ongoing ward delineation exercise in Warri, Delta State, citing concerns over transparency, equity, and alleged political manipulation.

The protest was led by a coalition of youth groups under the aegis of the Niger Delta Youth Front (NDYF), which staged a peaceful demonstration at INEC’s Delta State office in Asaba, demanding a halt to the process until wider consultations are held with affected communities.

Addressing journalists, NDYF President, Ebiowei Daniel, alleged that the current delineation process was “skewed to favor certain political interests” and lacked adequate stakeholder engagement.

“We are not against the delineation process itself,” Daniel said. “We are against the lack of inclusivity, the absence of transparency, and the failure to carry key communities along in this crucial exercise.”

The group argued that ward delineation in a diverse and politically sensitive area like Warri should be handled with utmost care to avoid ethnic tension and voter disenfranchisement ahead of future elections.

INEC has yet to issue a formal response, but a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the exercise was being conducted in line with constitutional guidelines and that concerns raised by stakeholders would be reviewed.

The protest comes amid broader calls across Nigeria for electoral reforms and fairer representation, especially in regions with complex demographic and political landscapes like the Niger Delta.

Civil society organizations have urged INEC to ensure that boundary adjustments are transparent, data-driven, and reflect the true composition of local populations.

The youth groups vowed to continue peaceful advocacy and legal action if necessary, while urging traditional rulers, civil society, and political leaders to intervene.