By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: In a bold move to correct legislative imbalance in Delta State, the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, adopted a motion sponsored by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, calling for the creation of additional State Constituencies from Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani Local Government Areas.
Hon. Ezechi, in presenting the motion, cited Section 112 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delineate each state into State Constituencies three or four times the number of its Federal Constituencies. Delta State, with 10 federal constituencies, should have no fewer than 30 state constituencies, but currently has only 29.
The lawmaker emphasized that this shortfall in representation particularly affects the Ndokwa/Ukwuani axis, which has seen significant population growth and civic participation. He recalled that during the defunct Third Republic, Ndokwa East was formerly divided into Constituency I and II, but the structure was reversed due to demographic concerns. He argued that current INEC data and demographic expansion now justify the reinstatement and further delineation of constituencies in the area.
“Failure to address this underrepresentation continues to undermine equitable distribution of resources and hampers effective governance,” Ezechi told the House. “Our people contribute immensely to the development of Delta State and deserve fair representation in the State Assembly.”
Following deliberations, the House passed the motion and resolved to urge INEC to immediately review and implement the creation of new State Constituencies from the three local government areas. The House also requested INEC to conduct a comprehensive audit of the population and voter registration data in the affected regions to guide the delineation process.
In addition, the House mandated its Committee on Electoral Matters to liaise with INEC and relevant agencies to ensure timely implementation of the resolution. The Committees on Electoral Matters and Legislative Compliance were also tasked with ensuring adherence to the resolution and are expected to report back to the House within four weeks.
The motion represents a critical legislative push toward achieving equity, constitutional compliance, and improved grassroots governance for the people of Ndokwa/Ukwuani.
