Engr. Dr. Messiah Doupade Olaye Lauds INEC’s Efforts in Warri Federal Ward Delineation
By Wilson Macaulay, Delta State
Engr. Dr. Messiah Doupade Olaye, a distinguished Humanitarian Rights Advocate, has described the new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delineation exercise of the Warri federal constituency as a historic turning point in the political configuration of Warri Federal Constituency.
Engr. Dr. Messiah Doupade Olaye, a renowned technocrat and community leader, applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recently concluded ward delineation exercise, which aims to rectify decades of political imbalance, marginalization, and systemic injustice that have long impacted the oil-rich but politically sensitive region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Warri, Engr. Dr. Olaye, a prominent advocate for equity and fairness in Delta State politics, commended INEC for displaying courage, neutrality, and commitment to democratic principles by addressing a longstanding issue — the disproportionate delineation of electoral wards in Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas.
A Historical Imbalance Rooted in Political Arm-Twisting
Tracing the genesis of the problem, Dr. Olaye pointed out that since the time of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the return of democracy in 1999, Warri Federal Constituency has suffered a glaring injustice in electoral representation, largely as a result of imbalanced ward delineation and suppression of demographic realities. According to him, “For too long, certain ethnic nationalities and communities in Warri have been strategically underrepresented in order to maintain a political status quo skewed in favor of a few.”
He referenced the fact that despite population growth and development in some areas, particularly among the Ijaw and Urhobo communities, the number of electoral wards allocated to them remained disproportionately low compared to others, leading to systematic disenfranchisement and marginalization in the democratic process.
Dr. Olaye emphasized that this imbalance was not a coincidence but rather a calculated political maneuver — “an arm-twist, an elite conspiracy” — perpetuated by vested interests to deny certain groups access to power and fair participation in governance.
INEC Commended for Courage and Professionalism
Dr. Olaye while commending the lofty ward creation exercise noted that the recent ward delineation undertaken by INEC under the supervision of its Delta State office marks a bold departure from the past and signals the dawn of a new era in Warri politics.
“This is the first time in decades that we are seeing a federal institution stand on the side of truth and equity. INEC has done well like a Daniel Come to Judgement.They have restored hope to those who have suffered political exclusion and rekindled faith in the Nigerian democratic system,” he said.
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He further praised the Commission’s adherence to constitutional guidelines, population data, and stakeholders consultation during the delineation exercise, noting that INEC’s actions were “rooted in transparency, justice, and fairness.”
He maintained that according to General Fidel Castro of Cuba, no army in the whole world can stop an idea whose time has come. He added, the reality we see today as INEC have done is indeed an idea whose time has come,no amount of smear campaign can upturn the incontrovertible truth.
A Call for Peace and Justice
Engr. Dr. Olaye called on all political actors, traditional institutions, and community leaders in Warri Federal Constituency to embrace the new delineation with maturity and open-mindedness, urging them to rise above ethnic bias and political greed. He emphasized that true peace and development can only be achieved when justice is allowed to prevail.
“There’s no need for protests or instigating conflict. This is not a time for ethnic grandstanding. It is a time to reflect on our collective future. If anyone feels aggrieved, the courts are open. But let us all rise to defend a process that finally gives every group in Warri a voice,” he stated.
A Victory for Democracy and the Grassroots
According to Dr. Olaye, the new ward delineation represents a victory for the common people — those whose voices have long been drowned by political manipulation. He called on INEC to remain vigilant and ensure that the implementation of the new wards ahead of the 2027 general elections is smooth, inclusive, and free from sabotage.
Call On Governor Oborevwori to Maintain Law and Order
In response to the perceived grievances trailing the recent creation of new wards in Warri Federal Constituency, Engr. Dr. Messiah Doupade Olaye urged His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to uphold law and order, ensuring that peace reigns across the constituency. While acknowledging that the ward delineation marks a bold stride toward inclusive political representation, Dr. Olaye stressed that no group or individual should take the law into their hands under the guise of protest. He appealed for calm and dialogue, noting that the government must provide a peaceful environment where genuine concerns can be addressed without violence or intimidation.
Engr. Dr. Olaye emphasized the need for Governor Oborevwori to engage all stakeholders—traditional leaders, youth groups, and political actors—to de-escalate tension and foster mutual understanding. He reiterated that equity cannot flourish in chaos, and that meaningful development is only possible when there is respect for due process. “We must not allow this democratic gain to be derailed by unrest. I urge the Governor to ensure that security agencies are on alert and that all grievances are channeled through peaceful and lawful means,” Dr. Olaye stated.
He also used the opportunity to urge youths and grassroots leaders to participate more actively in the political process, noting that the new delineation now provides more space for diverse representation, equitable power sharing, and community-driven leadership.
Conclusion
In a constituency that has seen its fair share of tension, contestation, and manipulation, the new delineation by INEC be welcomed by many as the beginning of a new political order — one based on fairness, inclusivity, and democratic integrity.
As Warri moves forward, voices like that of Engr. Dr. Messiah Doupade Olaye continue to remind the people that true justice is not given — it is fought for and defended.
And today, in the heart of Delta State, the echoes of justice are finally being heard.
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