INEC Fixes June 16–25 Primaries for Restored Constituencies in Benue, Others Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced June 16 to June 25, 2026, as the official dates for political parties to conduct primaries in newly restored state constituencies across Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The move follows court judgments directing the restoration of constituencies that had previously been suppressed, paving the way for residents of the affected areas to fully participate in the electoral process.
The announcement was contained in a press statement issued by INEC and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to the electoral body, the restoration was carried out in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026, which empower the Commission to ensure equitable representation and electoral participation.
INEC disclosed that five state constituencies were restored in Benue State, namely Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III.
In Delta State, the Commission restored six constituencies: Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II, and Warri North II.
The electoral umpire also restored Aujara State Constituency in Jigawa State, while ten constituencies were reinstated in Kogi State, including Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalaogwa, and Ogugu.
“To facilitate the participation of the restored constituencies in the 2027 General Election, particularly with respect to the nomination of candidates by political parties, the Commission has fixed the 16th–25th June, 2026, for the conduct of political party primaries in the restored constituencies,” INEC stated.
The Commission clarified that all previously published timelines and activities contained in the revised timetable for the 2027 General Election remain applicable to the restored constituencies.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election shall apply to the restored constituencies,” the statement added.
INEC further directed political parties intending to participate in the primaries to formally notify the Commission ahead of the scheduled exercises, given the special circumstances surrounding the restoration process.
“In light of the peculiar nature of this arrangement, political parties are requested to submit notices of political party primaries to the Commission prior to the scheduled date for the primaries,” it said.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections, assuring stakeholders that necessary measures would be taken to ensure the smooth integration of the restored constituencies into the 2027 electoral framework.
The development is expected to enhance political representation and electoral participation for residents of the affected communities, many of whom had previously been excluded from state legislative representation following the suppression of the constituencies.
