By mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored four previously suppressed State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta and Kogi States following judgments by the courts directing their restoration.
The Commission announced the restoration in a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
The affected constituencies comprise three in Delta State and one in Kogi State.
The restored constituencies are Abraka, Isoko North II and Ughelli South II State Constituencies in Delta State, and Yagba West II State Constituency in Kogi State.
According to INEC, the restoration followed court judgments directing the Commission to reinstate the additional constituencies in the two states.
The development effectively brings the four constituencies back into the electoral process, with political parties now expected to conduct primaries for the nomination of candidates ahead of the relevant elections.
INEC fixes August 21–25 for party primaries
The electoral commission said it had scheduled August 21 to 25, 2026 for political parties to conduct their primaries for the restored constituencies.
INEC said the dates would coincide with the period already set aside for the conduct of party primaries for bye-elections into other vacant legislative seats across the country.
The affected bye-election constituencies include Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies of Bauchi State; Udu State Constituency of Delta State; and Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State.
Elections into the bye-election constituencies have been scheduled for September 19, 2026.
Existing 2027 electoral timetable to apply
INEC clarified that the restoration of the four constituencies would not result in a separate electoral timetable for the affected areas.
The Commission said all other timelines and activities contained in its already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election would apply to the restored constituencies.
This means political parties and prospective candidates participating in the electoral process are expected to comply with the relevant deadlines and requirements contained in the revised timetable.
INEC also directed political parties to submit notices of their respective primaries to the Commission before the scheduled dates.
The notice is expected to enable the Commission to monitor the primaries in accordance with the applicable electoral framework and ensure that parties comply with the prescribed procedures.
Court judgments trigger restoration
The latest development is part of the Commission’s implementation of judicial decisions concerning the status of previously suppressed constituencies.
By restoring the four constituencies, INEC said it was complying with court judgments directing the reinstatement of the additional electoral constituencies in Delta and Kogi States.
The move also provides political parties and voters in the affected constituencies with clarity on their participation in the forthcoming electoral process.
INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process remains credible, inclusive and transparent.
The Commission urged political parties and other stakeholders in the affected constituencies to adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines and procedures as preparations for the elections continue.
