The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official restoration of several previously suppressed State Constituencies across Benue, Delta, Jigawa, and Kogi States. The electoral umpire has consequently ordered political parties to conduct fresh primaries in these areas ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to an official press statement released on Wednesday, the decision follows recent Court Judgments ordering the return of the affected districts. In compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC has formally integrated these constituencies back into the national electoral map.
June Deadline Set for Political Party Primaries
To ensure voters in the affected regions are fully represented in the upcoming general elections, the commission has carved out a specific window for political parties to nominate their candidates.
“To facilitate the participation of the restored Constituencies in the 2027 General Election, particularly with respect to the nomination of candidates by Political Parties, the Commission has fixed the 16th-25th June, 2026 for the conduct of Political Party Primaries in the restored Constituencies,” stated Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The commission further clarified that this window is an isolated arrangement. All other timelines, guidelines, and activities detailed in the previously published Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election remain strictly unchanged and will apply to the newly restored areas.
Strict Compliance and Notice Requirements
Because of the urgent and unique nature of this electoral adjustment, INEC has directed all political parties intending to field candidates in these districts to fast-track their internal processes. Parties are required to submit formal Notices of Political Party Primaries to the commission’s headquarters before the scheduled primary dates commence.
Reiterating the commission’s dedication to a seamless transition for the newly added districts, Haruna emphasized that “The Commission remains committed to ensuring credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes” as Nigeria prepares for the next general cycle.
Breakdown of the 22 Restored Constituencies
A total of 22 state constituencies across four geopolitical zones have been successfully restored:
In Benue State, five constituencies have been reinstated: Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III.
Delta State saw six districts restored, including Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II, and Warri North II.
Jigawa State recorded one restoration with the Aujara State Constituency, while Kogi State received the highest number of reinstated districts, totaling ten: Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town & District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalamela-Odolu, and Ogugu State Constituencies.
Share this
