Open Letter to INEC: Why We Chose Dialogue Over Silence
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Since yesterday, my open letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) calling for ward delineation and electoral justice for Ijaw communities in Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas of Edo State has generated intense public discourse.
While many well-meaning Nigerians, civil society groups, community leaders, and advocates of democracy have welcomed the appeal as a legitimate call for fairness and inclusion, a few critics have attempted to portray the initiative as an act capable of promoting unrest. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Let me state categorically that the open letter was written in the spirit of democracy, constitutionalism, and peaceful civic engagement. At no point did the document advocate violence, encourage disorder, or promote hostility against any individual, community, ethnic nationality, or institution of government.
The essence of the letter is simple: every Nigerian community deserves fair representation within the democratic process. Where genuine concerns exist regarding electoral structures, the Constitution provides lawful channels through which citizens can seek review, redress, and reform. That is precisely what the letter sought to achieve.
Democracy thrives when citizens speak up through lawful means. It is strengthened when grievances are presented through petitions, dialogue, consultations, and institutional engagement rather than silence. The open letter to INEC is therefore an exercise of a constitutional right and not an invitation to conflict.
Interestingly, the very document being criticized repeatedly emphasized fairness, inclusion, national unity, stakeholder engagement, peace, stability, and constitutional processes. It called for field verification exercises, consultations with traditional rulers, youth groups, women groups, civil society organizations, and community leaders. Such recommendations are the hallmarks of democratic participation, not extremism.
To my supporters, I express profound appreciation for your encouragement and commitment to the ideals of justice and equity. Your support demonstrates that many Nigerians still believe in peaceful advocacy and constitutional engagement.
To my critics, I equally extend my respect. Democracy accommodates differing opinions. However, criticism should be based on the actual contents of a document rather than assumptions or political sentiments. Healthy debate enriches democracy; misrepresentation weakens it.
As a development advocate, academician, and political stakeholder, I remain firmly committed to peaceful advocacy, democratic values, national unity, and constitutional processes. My position remains that every community, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or geographical location, deserves a fair opportunity to participate meaningfully in governance.
The conversation triggered by the open letter should therefore not be about accusations but about the fundamental question it raises: how can we build a more inclusive electoral system that gives every community a sense of belonging?
History teaches us that justice strengthens peace, fairness strengthens unity, and inclusion strengthens democracy.
The quest for electoral justice is not a threat to democracy; it is one of its most essential pillars.
Source: Open Letter to INEC by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
https://globalegberi.com.ng
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
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