Protest Over Electoral Delineation Disrupts Oil Operations in South-south Nigeria
- June 9, 2026
Nigeria’s crude oil production faces a significant threat following the shutdown of 13 oil flow stations in Delta State by protesters demanding the implementation of the ward delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The protest, led by women and youths from several Ijaw and Urhobo communities, targeted facilities operated by major oil companies, including the Nigerian operations of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Chevron Nigeria Limited, and Nestoil Group. The action followed warnings issued by stakeholders from the Warri Federal Constituency that oil production could be halted if the delineation report was not implemented.
Among the facilities affected are Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye, Makaraba, Olero Creek, Dibi Field, and Opuekeba Flow Station. According to various local reports, protesters occupied the facilities and disrupted logistics and supply operations along key waterways serving the installations.
The protesters said their action was prompted by delays in implementing the ward and polling unit delineation exercise conducted by INEC in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment. They accused some politicians of attempting to frustrate the process despite the completion of consultations and the presentation of the final report to stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Maria Ebike expressed frustration over the delay in implementing the report.
“We have waited patiently for the authorities to do the right thing. Since they continue to ignore our voices, we have no option but to demand justice through peaceful protests. No implementation of the ward delineation, no oil production,” she said.
Ebike argued that the delineation exercise was intended to address longstanding concerns regarding political representation and ensure fairness and equity among communities within the constituency. She further alleged that influential interests were working to prevent the implementation of the report.
Another community representative, Fanty Goodness Owotorufa, maintained that the protesters were not seeking conflict but insisting on compliance with a process already completed by the electoral commission.
“INEC has completed the assignment given to it by the Supreme Court. The report has been presented to stakeholders. What we are demanding is simple — implementation. We are not here to create unrest; we are here to ensure that justice is done,” she said.
The dispute stems from a 2022 Supreme Court directive ordering INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency. The commission subsequently carried out the exercise and presented its final report to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20, 2026. However, disagreement over the implementation of the report has intensified tensions among Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri groups in the area.
As of the time of reporting, neither INEC nor the affected oil companies had issued official statements on the shutdown.
