The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored 21 State House of Assembly constituencies across four states following court judgments, paving the way for residents of the affected areas to participate fully in the 2027 General Election.
The commission also directed political parties to conduct primary elections in the restored constituencies between June 16 and June 25, 2026, to nominate candidates for the February 6, 2027 State Assembly elections.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Mallam Mohammed Haruna.
Restoration Follows Court Judgments
According to the commission, the decision was taken in compliance with court orders directing the restoration of previously suppressed constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states.
INEC said the action was in line with the powers conferred on it by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2026.
The commission listed the restored constituencies as follows:
In Benue State, the restored constituencies are Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III.
For Delta State, the constituencies are Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II, and Warri North II.
Jigawa State has one restored constituency, Aujara State Constituency.
In Kogi State, the restored constituencies are Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalaogwa, and Ogugu.
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To ensure the participation of the restored constituencies in the 2027 General Election, INEC fixed June 16 to June 25, 2026, for political parties to conduct primaries and nominate candidates.
The commission clarified that all other timelines and activities contained in the revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election remain unchanged and will apply to the affected constituencies.
INEC further directed political parties to formally notify the commission before conducting their primaries in the restored constituencies.
The commission noted that the requirement became necessary because of the unique circumstances surrounding the restoration process and the need to ensure effective monitoring of the primaries.
Reaffirming its commitment to electoral integrity, INEC said the restoration of the constituencies was aimed at strengthening representation and ensuring that eligible voters in the affected areas are not excluded from the democratic process.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes,” the statement added.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.