By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled June 16 to 25, 2026, for the conduct of political party primaries in newly restored state constituencies across Kogi, Benue, Delta and Jigawa states ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The decision follows court judgments directing the restoration of previously suppressed constituencies and is in line with the powers vested in the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, announced that the Commission had formally restored several constituencies to enable residents of the affected areas participate fully in the electoral process.
In Kogi State, the restored constituencies include Ajaokuta North, Adavi East, Eika, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalaogwa and Ogugu.
Benue State regained Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East) and Gboko III constituencies.
In Delta State, the restored constituencies are Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II and Warri North II, while Jigawa State has the restoration of Aujara State Constituency.
According to INEC, the special timetable is intended to facilitate the nomination of candidates by political parties in the affected constituencies and ensure their full participation in the 2027 General Election.
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 restored constituencies.
INEC also directed political parties to submit notices of their primaries to the Commission before the scheduled dates, noting the unique nature of the exercise.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes,” the statement said.
The restoration of the constituencies is expected to expand political representation in the affected areas and ensure that residents have the opportunity to elect representatives in the 2027 electoral cycle.
