By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has commenced technical processes aimed at restoring 20 court-ordered suppressed state constituencies across Delta, Kogi, Benue and Jigawa states.
In an official communication dated April 30, 2026, and issued from its headquarters in Abuja, the Commission disclosed that the decision was reached at a meeting held the same day, approving the immediate rollout of technical procedures to address the affected constituencies.
According to the document signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the restoration exercise will cover 11 constituencies in Kogi, four in Delta, five in Benue and one in Jigawa State.
INEC explained that the process would involve extensive stakeholders’ engagement at state headquarters and field-level operations in the affected constituencies. The exercise is expected to generate critical geographical and demographic data required for the production and validation of constituency maps and other technical documentation.
To ensure a smooth and credible process, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in the affected states have been directed to liaise with key stakeholders, including traditional institutions, community leaders and security agencies.
The Commission also instructed state offices to provide administrative and logistical support to field teams, while ensuring adequate security arrangements for personnel and equipment deployed for the exercise.
In addition, RECs are to nominate competent officers from their states to work with the technical team from INEC headquarters, reinforcing coordination and efficiency in the execution of the assignment.
INEC noted that the restoration of the constituencies follows judicial pronouncements, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and strengthening democratic representation.
The development is expected to have significant political implications in the affected states, particularly in Delta, where the reconfiguration of constituencies could alter the dynamics of representation ahead of future elections.
Observers say the move signals a renewed effort by the electoral body to address longstanding gaps in constituency delineation, while enhancing inclusiveness and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process.
