WARRI DELINEATION: “Your Alleged Interference Is A Dangerous Threat To Democracy, Rule Of Law, Electoral Justice”___

By Esther David

The National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), Comrade Freeborn Abraye, has raised serious concerns over what he described as deliberate attempts by powerful forces within the Presidency to frustrate the implementation of the recently released final delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency, warning that any interference with the process amounts to a direct assault on democracy, the rule of law, constitutional governance and the authority of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Abraye stated that Nigerians, particularly the people of Warri Federal Constituency, watched with great anticipation when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released its final delineation report on May 20, 2026, in compliance with the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court. He noted that the report represented the culmination of years of litigation, consultations, fieldwork, data gathering and constitutional obligations undertaken by INEC under the supervision of the nation’s highest court.

According to him, it is therefore shocking and unacceptable that weeks after the release of the final report, INEC has failed to move forward with its implementation, thereby creating suspicion that external political forces are exerting pressure on the Commission to delay or frustrate the process.

“We are deeply disturbed by credible information making the rounds that the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other powerful interests within the Presidency may be interfering in a matter that has already been conclusively decided by the Supreme Court and executed administratively by INEC. If these informations are true, such actions constitute a dangerous attack on democratic institutions and an unacceptable attempt to place political interests above constitutional authority.”

“The Warri delineation exercise is not a political favour to any ethnic group, political party or individual. It is the implementation of a valid Supreme Court judgment. Nobody, regardless of status, position or influence, possesses the constitutional authority to suspend, alter or frustrate the execution of a judgment delivered by the highest court in the land.”

Abraye warned that any attempt by political actors to manipulate the implementation of the delineation report would set a dangerous precedent capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary and electoral institutions.

He stressed that the implications extend beyond Warri Federal Constituency, noting that if powerful political figures can successfully obstruct the implementation of a Supreme Court judgment today, it would send a signal that court decisions in Nigeria are only enforceable when they align with the interests of those in power.

“The question Nigerians must ask is simple: if a Supreme Court judgment can be ignored because certain powerful individuals are dissatisfied with the outcome, then what remains of constitutional democracy? What becomes of the rule of law? What message are we sending to citizens who seek justice through lawful means?”

“The Presidency must understand that the authority of the Supreme Court is superior to political influence. The implementation of the Warri delineation report cannot and must not be subjected to backroom negotiations, political calculations or ethnic sentiments.”

The NDAPDEJ National Coordinator further noted that the continued delay in implementing the report could create avoidable tensions within Warri Federal Constituency and disrupt preparations for the forthcoming electoral process.

He observed that political parties in the newly delineated constituencies require certainty and clarity to conduct primaries, nominate candidates and prepare adequately for future elections, adding that any delay threatens the democratic rights of thousands of eligible voters.

“It is unacceptable that political parties and prospective candidates are being left in uncertainty because of alleged interference from forces that have no constitutional role in electoral delineation. Every day of delay weakens confidence in the electoral process and raises legitimate concerns about the commitment of authorities to obey the rule of law.”

Abraye called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly distance himself and his administration from any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the delineation report and to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that all institutions of government operate strictly within the boundaries of the Constitution.

He also urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, not to succumb to political pressure from any quarter, emphasizing that the Commission’s credibility and independence are being tested.

“We call on INEC to stand firm. The Commission must remember that its loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to politicians, powerful individuals or vested interests. The final delineation report has been released. What remains is implementation.”

“We also call on civil society organizations, democratic institutions, the international community and all defenders of constitutional governance to closely monitor developments surrounding the Warri delineation process. Silence in the face of injustice only encourages further abuse.”

Abraye concluded by warning that the people of Warri Federal Constituency and the wider Niger Delta region would continue to demand full compliance with the Supreme Court judgment and would resist every attempt to undermine constitutional democracy.

“The era when judicial decisions could be selectively obeyed is over. The Supreme Court has spoken. INEC has completed the delineation exercise. The only lawful path forward is immediate implementation. Any attempt to obstruct that process, regardless of who is involved, represents a direct threat to democracy, electoral justice, constitutional order and the rule of law.”

Signed:
Comrade Freeborn Abraye
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ).