Jun 10, 2026

INEC Moves to Hold Primaries in Court-Restored Constituencies

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, June 10, 2026 — After years of legal battles and community advocacy, residents in several suppressed state constituencies across Benue, Delta, Jigawa, and Kogi States are finally getting their democratic voice back.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that political party primaries for these restored constituencies will hold from June 16 to 25, 2026, ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The move follows court judgments directing the restoration of constituencies that had been suppressed for years, denying residents proper representation in their state houses of assembly.

INEC said the restoration was carried out in line with its constitutional powers and the Electoral Act.

Restored Constituencies

The Commission has restored the following state constituencies:

Benue State: Nyamtsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III.

Delta State: Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II, and Warri North II.

Jigawa State: Aujara.

Kogi State: Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town & District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalogwa, and Ogugu.

These areas, some of which had been without dedicated representation for a long time, will now participate fully in the upcoming general election.

Clear Timelines for Political Parties

To facilitate the nomination of candidates, INEC has fixed the window for party primaries in these restored constituencies between June 16 and 25, 2026.

All other activities and timelines in the Commission’s already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election will apply.

Political parties have been directed to submit Notices of Political Party Primaries to INEC before the scheduled dates for the primaries in these areas.

“ The Commission remains committed to ensuring credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes,” the statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, noted.

A Step Toward Inclusive Democracy

For communities in these restored constituencies, the development marks the end of a long period of marginalization.

Many residents had gone through court processes and sustained advocacy to regain their right to elect dedicated representatives who understand their local challenges — from infrastructure and security to healthcare and education.

By setting clear dates for primaries, INEC is ensuring that political parties can begin the process of selecting candidates who will contest for these seats in 2027, giving the people a genuine opportunity to choose leaders who will speak for them at the state level.

The announcement brings renewed hope to thousands of voters who had felt left out of the democratic process.

With the primaries now scheduled, the stage is set for competitive politics in these areas and a more inclusive representation in the next dispensation.

INEC’s action reinforces its mandate to conduct free, fair, and credible elections while respecting judicial directives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.