INEC Restores Suppressed Constituencies in Four States, Sets Dates for Party Primaries

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the restoration of several previously suppressed state constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states following court judgments directing their reinstatement.

The electoral commission also fixed June 16 to June 25, 2026 as the period within which political parties are expected to conduct primary elections in the affected constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the commission, the restoration became necessary in compliance with judicial pronouncements ordering the reinstatement of constituencies that had previously been suppressed during electoral boundary adjustments and representation reviews.

In Benue State, the restored constituencies include Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III.

For Delta State, the reinstated constituencies are Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II and Warri North II.

The commission also restored Aujara State Constituency in Jigawa State.

In Kogi State, the affected constituencies include Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igala Ogwa and Ogugu.

Haruna stated that political parties would be required to conduct fresh primaries within the stipulated period to facilitate the nomination of candidates for the restored constituencies.

He clarified that all other timelines and activities already contained in INEC’s revised timetable and schedule for the 2027 general elections would remain applicable to the affected constituencies.

The commission further directed political parties to formally notify INEC before conducting the primaries, citing the peculiar nature of the exercise and the need for effective monitoring.

INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections, assuring stakeholders that all necessary arrangements would be made to ensure that residents of the restored constituencies fully participate in future electoral processes.

The development is expected to expand political representation in the affected states and ensure compliance with judicial decisions aimed at strengthening democratic participation.