“ENOUGH OF THE SILENCE!” — WARRI ELDERS BLAST INEC, DEMAND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF DELINEATION RESULT

• Concerned Stakeholders Decry ‘Shameful Delay,’ Warn Credibility of Electoral Process at Risk

By Niger Delta Reporters
Date: April 28, 2026

Warri, Delta State — The Concerned Elders of Warri Federal Constituency have issued a strongly worded open letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Federal Government, condemning what they described as a “shameful and unacceptable delay” in the release of the final delineation result for the constituency.

In the statement, the elders expressed deep frustration, anger and disappointment, warning that the continued silence by INEC is eroding public confidence and raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability and adherence to constitutional responsibility.

According to the group, the delineation exercise ordered by the Supreme Court has already been completed, making the continued withholding of the result both puzzling and unacceptable.

They warned that the delay has now become the central issue and could undermine the credibility of electoral processes in the area if not urgently addressed.

Below is the full text of the open letter:

OPEN LETTER TO INEC AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Date: 28/4/2026

A SHAMEFUL AND UNACCEPTABLE DELAY, THE TIME FOR SILENCE HAS EXPIRED

We, the Concerned Elders of Warri Federal Constituency, write with heavy hearts, rising anger and deep disappointment over the continued and unjustifiable delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in releasing the final delineation result for Warri Federal Constituency.

What is happening before our eyes is no longer ordinary delay. It is no longer a matter of process or procedure. It has become a troubling pattern of silence that speaks louder than any explanation that has not been given. A process that has been completed is being held back and a duty that should have been concluded is being left hanging without reason, without clarity and without accountability.

Let us be clear and direct.

The delineation exercise has been done, the work is complete, the report exists, the outcome is known, there is nothing left to investigate, nothing left to process, nothing left to justify continued silence. And yet, the result has not been released.

At this point, the delay itself has become the issue.

This is not how institutions build trust, this is how trust is broken, when transparency is replaced with silence, when responsibility is replaced with hesitation and when a clear constitutional obligation is left unattended, confidence in the system begins to erode. INEC was entrusted with a duty that goes to the heart of democratic order, that duty was not optional, it was not negotiable, it was clear, lawful and binding.

Completing the process but refusing to release the result is not compliance, it is an incomplete act that leaves the entire system in doubt.

We must ask the questions that every reasonable mind is now asking:

If the work has been completed, why is the result still withheld? If there is nothing outstanding, what exactly is causing the delay? Why has silence replaced communication in a matter of such importance?

These questions are not born out of hostility, they arise from concern, from responsibility and from a growing need for clarity.

Because in a democracy, silence is not neutral, silence creates suspicion, silence fuels uncertainty, silence weakens confidence.

Democracy cannot function in uncertainty, representation cannot stand on hidden outcomes. Electoral processes cannot be credible when the very structure that defines them is left unclear.

Without the final delineation result, there is no solid foundation. Without that foundation, every subsequent process carries doubt. And when doubt enters the system, legitimacy begins to fade.

This is the danger that this delay is creating.

We speak not to inflame tension but to prevent it. We speak not to confront but to remind. We speak because continued silence is pushing a situation that requires clarity toward unnecessary strain.

Patience has been shown, restraint has been maintained.

But patience must not be mistaken for acceptance.

There is a limit to how long a people can wait for what has already been completed. There is a limit to how long silence can stand in place of responsibility.

To INEC, we say this clearly and firmly:

The time for silence has expired. The time for delay has passed.

Release the final delineation result now.

To the Federal Government, we say:

This is a moment that requires leadership, silence from those who should act only deepens the concern. A constitutional obligation must not be allowed to remain suspended.

This is not a request for favor, It is a demand for responsibility.

This is not a confrontation, it is a call for accountability.

Let it be clearly understood:

The people expect transparency. The people expect clarity. The people expect the law to be respected.

And they will continue to expect it.

History will remember moments like this, it will remember whether institutions acted when they were required to act or remained silent when action was necessary.

The responsibility lies clearly before you.

Release the result. End the delay. Restore confidence.

Signed:

Chief Tiemopere Joshua (President)
Chief Ebikeme T. Godstime (Secretary)
Concerned Elders of Warri Federal Constituency

Cc:

The National Assembly of Nigeria
The National Security Adviser (NSA)
The Attorney-General of the Federation
The Delta State Government

Closing Note

The elders concluded by warning that history would judge institutions by their actions at critical moments, stressing that continued silence could further weaken trust in democratic processes.