INEC Announces Reinstatement of Previously Suppressed Constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa, and Kogi

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the restoration of several suppressed constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa, and Kogi States following court rulings.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, issued a statement yesterday confirming that the Commission has scheduled the 16th to 25th of June 2026 for political party primaries in the restored constituencies.

Haruna said: “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:”

“Benue State – Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III State Constituencies.”

“Delta State – Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II, and Warri North II State Constituencies.”

“Jigawa State – Aujara State Constituency.”

“Kogi State – Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town & District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalao gwa, and Ogugu State 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 to 25th June 2026 for the conduct of political party primaries in the restored constituencies.”

Haruna added that, to avoid any confusion, all other timelines and activities outlined in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 general election will also apply to the restored constituencies.

Given the unique nature of this arrangement, the commission has requested that political parties submit notices of their primaries to the commission before the scheduled dates.