The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced June 16 to June 25, 2026, as the period for political parties to conduct primaries in recently restored state constituencies across Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission said the decision followed court judgments directing the restoration of previously suppressed constituencies and was made in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC 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.
In 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 Aujara State Constituency restored, while Kogi State has Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalaogwa, and Ogugu State Constituencies.
According to INEC, the primaries will enable political parties to nominate candidates who will contest elections in the restored constituencies during the 2027 General Election.
The commission clarified that all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election remain applicable to the restored constituencies.
INEC also directed political parties to submit notices of their primaries before the scheduled dates, noting the peculiar nature of the arrangement.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes,” the statement said.
The restoration of the constituencies is expected to expand representation and ensure that affected communities participate fully in the electoral process leading to the 2027 elections.
