A bid by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters and former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, to halt the ongoing delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was on Wednesday stopped on the floor of the Senate by Delta lawmakers, Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) and Ede Dafinone (Delta Central).
The two senators strongly opposed Lalong’s motion, insisting that INEC’s constitutional independence must be upheld and warning against any legislative interference in a matter already before the court.
Rising to object to the motion, Senator Joel-Onowakpo reminded the Senate that the 1999 Constitution empowers INEC to conduct constituency delineation without external intervention.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, this motion directly affects my constituency, Delta South Senatorial District. Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution clearly empowers INEC to carry out delineation exercises,” he stated.
He also cited Section 158 and Part I of the Third Schedule of the Constitution, emphasizing that INEC’s independence must remain inviolate.
“Ordinarily, this is not a matter for the National Assembly. If anyone is aggrieved, the proper venue is the court,” he added.
Joel-Onowakpo revealed that the issue was already before the Federal High Court in Warri in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/372/25, where some individuals had sued INEC over the delineation process, urging the Senate to allow the judiciary to handle it.
Supporting his Delta colleague, Senator Ede Dafinone argued that any legislative interference could undermine public confidence in both the Senate and INEC.
“The delineation of constituencies is a constitutional duty of INEC designed to promote equity and balance,” Dafinone said. “Any attempt by the legislature to intervene, especially in a localized or partisan manner, could damage INEC’s neutrality and the Senate’s credibility.”
He noted that the matter had lingered for over a decade, with multiple court judgments affirming INEC’s right to proceed.
“The courts have consistently ruled in favour of INEC. Even a recent suit at the Abuja High Court was dismissed. We must not perpetuate a cycle of obstruction,” Dafinone added.
Their submissions drew support from several lawmakers who cautioned against breaching constitutional provisions or overstepping judicial boundaries.
In his ruling, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and called for restraint, directing that any further deliberations must consider the constitutional and judicial issues raised.
The debate, which generated intense reactions, ended with the Senate shelving the motion to probe or suspend INEC’s delineation exercise.
The intervention by Senators Joel-Onowakpo and Dafinone effectively reaffirmed INEC’s independence and underscored the Senate’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in the ongoing constituency boundary review in Delta State.