The demonstration, which drew dozens of community representatives, political stakeholders, and civil society activists, highlighted growing frustrations over alleged irregularities and disenfranchisement in the electoral process.

The protesters, led by representatives from various community groups and local political figures, converged on the INEC office in Warri early in the morning, chanting slogans and carrying placards with messages such as “Stop Voter Registration Now!” and “INEC Must Protect Our Rights.” 

Their primary demand was for INEC to pause all new voter registrations until systemic issues, including inadequate infrastructure and potential manipulations, are addressed. 

According to sources close to the event, the leaders cited concerns over the exclusion of eligible voters, particularly in rural parts of the constituency, and fears that the current process could undermine the integrity of upcoming elections.

“This protest is a cry for justice and fairness in our democracy,” said Chief Ejiro Oghene, a prominent community leader and one of the protest organizers. 

“We have evidence of ghost registrations and biased handling by INEC officials. If voter registration continues without reforms, it will disenfranchise thousands of our people, especially the youth and women who form the backbone of Warri Constituency. We urge INEC to suspend the exercise immediately and conduct a thorough audit.”

The unrest stems from broader tensions in Delta State, where voter registration drives have been part of INEC’s preparations for local and national elections. 

Warri, known for its vibrant political scene and history of electoral disputes, has seen similar agitations in recent months. 

Protesters accused INEC of failing to deploy sufficient resources, such as biometric kits and trained personnel, leading to long queues, technical glitches, and allegations of favoritism toward certain political affiliations. 

They also pointed to delays in updating voter rolls, which they claim have left many residents unable to participate in previous polls.

INEC officials at the headquarters acknowledged the protest but did not immediately issue an official response. 

An INEC spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the commission is committed to a transparent process and is reviewing the complaints. 

“We are aware of the concerns raised by the Warri leaders. INEC operates under strict guidelines to ensure inclusivity, and we will engage with stakeholders to resolve any issues,” the spokesperson said. 

However, no concrete actions, such as a suspension of registrations, were announced during the event, prompting the protesters to vow continued action if their demands are ignored.

The demonstration remained peaceful, with security personnel maintaining a visible presence to prevent any escalation. 

Eyewitnesses reported that the group submitted a formal petition to INEC’s resident electoral commissioner for Delta State, outlining their grievances and calling for an emergency meeting. 

As of late Tuesday, INEC had not confirmed receipt of the petition or scheduled any dialogue.