By Victor Lewis
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday decisively rejected a motion by Senator Simon Lalong, former Governor of Plateau State and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, seeking to halt the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) delineation of Warri Federal Constituency.
The motion was firmly opposed by Delta State lawmakers, Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) and Ede Dafinone (Delta Central), who emphasized the constitutional independence of the INEC, reminded the Senate that the matter was already before the courts.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, speaking passionately against the motion, noted that the 1999 Constitution clearly grants INEC exclusive power to conduct constituency boundary adjustments without legislative interference.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, this motion directly affects my constituency, Delta South Senatorial District, and I am well acquainted with the matter.
“Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution empowers INEC to carry out such delineation exercises independently.
“This issue directly affects my constituency, so I am well informed about it”, he emphasized.
According to him, Sections 153, 158, and the Third Schedule of the Constitution ground INEC’s independence, adding that any grievances related to the delineation process should be resolved through judicial channels.
“Ordinarily, this is not a matter for the National Assembly. If anyone is aggrieved, the proper avenue is the court.
“I therefore urge that we allow the court to handle the matter and let due process take its course,” he said.
Senator Onowakpo further informed that the issue is currently being litigated at the Federal High Court in Warri under Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/372/25, pointing out that some parties have gone to court to challenge INEC’s actions.
Addressing the Red Chamber in surport of his colleague, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, warned that interference from the Senate could seriously damage public confidence in both INEC and the legislative arm.
“INEC’s role ensures fairness and equity in representation. Attempts to delay or suspend the process undermine that trust.
“The delineation of constituencies by INEC is a constitutional responsibility aimed at ensuring equity and fair representation.
“Any attempt by the Senate to investigate or suspend the process risks eroding confidence in INEC’s neutrality and the Senate’s credibility”, Senator Dafinone noted.
He recalled that the delineation issue had spanned over 12 years with judicial rulings consistently affirming INEC’s authority.
“Previous court cases, including one at the Abuja High Court, upheld INEC’s mandate, dismissing all attempts to block the boundary adjustments,” he added.
Several other senators echoed the call for respect of constitutional provisions, cautioning against moves that could conflict with ongoing legal processes and INEC’s constitutional role.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, recognized the sensitivity of the issue and advised senators to handle it with care, just as he underscored the need to respect both constitutional guidelines and judicial rulings.
Ultimately, the Senate set aside the motion, reinforcing INEC’s constitutional independence and the rule of law governing constituency delineations in Delta State. This outcome ensures that INEC’s work on the Warri Federal Constituency boundary adjustments will proceed without legislative obstruction.
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