By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored 21 State Assembly constituencies across Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states following court judgments.
The electoral body also directed political parties to conduct primaries in the affected constituencies between June 16 and 25, 2026, ahead of the February 6, 2027 State Assembly elections.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the Commission, the restoration was carried out in compliance with court rulings and constitutional provisions.
The statement reads: “Pursuant to the Judgment of the Courts directing the restoration of some suppressed Constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi States, and in line with the powers conferred on the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission has restored the following State Constituencies:
“1. Benue state – Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III State Constituencies.
“2. Delta State – Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II, and Warri North II State Constituencies.
“3. Jigawa state – Aujara State Constituency.
“4. Kogi state – Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town & District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalaogwa, and Ogugu State Constituencies.”
INEC further announced a fresh timetable for party primaries in the restored constituencies.
“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,” the statement added.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election shall apply to the restored Constituencies.
“In light of the peculiar nature of this arrangement, Political Parties are requested to submit Notices of Political Party Primaries to the Commission prior to the scheduled date for the Primaries.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes,” he concluded.
