From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has scheduled another political party primaries for 16 restored state constituencies in Kogi, Benue, Delta, and Jigawa States ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The exercise which will run from June 16 to June 25, 2026, will give the aforementioned the opportunity to conduct their primaries.
The Commission announced this in a press statement released on Wednesday, June 10. Saying, the restoration follows court judgments directing INEC to reinstate constituencies that were previously suppressed in the four states.
Acting under powers conferred by the 1999 Constitution as amended and the Electoral Act 2026, the Commission said the move is to ensure affected communities participate fully in the 2027 polls, particularly in the nomination of candidates by political parties.
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According to the statement, “Benue State has five constituencies restored: Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III Shangev-Tiev, Makurdi III South East, and Gboko III. Delta State follows with six: Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II, and Warri North II. Jigawa gets one, Aujara State Constituency, while Kogi has 10 restored: Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igala-Ogba, and Ogugu State Constituencies”, it said.
INEC also clarified that all other timelines and activities in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, will apply to the restored constituencies. This means party primaries in these areas must align with the Commission’s broader electoral calendar for the general election.
Due to the “peculiar nature of this arrangement,” the Commission urged political parties to submit Notices of Political Party Primaries to INEC before their scheduled dates. The notice requirement is intended to help the Commission monitor and ensure compliance with electoral guidelines during the primaries.
The announcement comes as political parties begin preparations for candidate selection across the country. Restoring the constituencies is expected to expand representation in the four states and address legal disputes that had left several communities without seats in their state assemblies.
Signing the statement, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes.
He said the Commission will continue to implement court decisions and uphold constitutional provisions in the conduct of elections.
