ABUJA/Nigeria: In a decisive move reinforcing the rule of law and electoral justice, the Nigerian Senate has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the Supreme Court judgment restoring the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State ahead of the 2027 State House of Assembly elections.
The resolution followed a motion moved at plenary by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, who stressed the constitutional obligation of government institutions to fully comply with judicial decisions.
The Senate adopted the motion unanimously through a voice vote, reflecting strong legislative support for restoring democratic representation to communities that have been without a seat in the Delta State House of Assembly for several years.
The restoration of the constituency is the culmination of a prolonged legal struggle spanning more than a decade. Communities including Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma and Ogodo in Aniocha North Local Government Area had sought judicial intervention after the constituency was effectively suppressed.
In 2017, the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin ruled that the constituency should be restored and directed that elections be conducted for the seat. The Independent National Electoral Commission subsequently appealed the judgment, but the Supreme Court, on November 29, 2019, dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision of the appellate court, declaring it final and binding under Section 115 of the Constitution.
Despite the apex court’s ruling, the directive had not been implemented, leaving thousands of residents in the affected communities without legislative representation.
During deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio affirmed the Senate’s approval for INEC to ensure that the restored constituency is reflected in the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly elections after the expiration of the current Assembly’s tenure.
He emphasized that decisions of the Supreme Court are final and must be obeyed, stressing that adherence to judicial pronouncements is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The Senate also urged the House of Representatives to concur with its resolution and formally communicate with INEC to facilitate the prompt implementation of the Supreme Court judgment.
For residents of the affected communities, the Senate’s directive represents a significant milestone in their quest for political inclusion and representation.
Civil society groups and stakeholders in the constituency have welcomed the development, describing it as a major step toward strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the supremacy of the law.
They noted that the restoration of Aniocha North II would not only correct a longstanding political imbalance but would also enable the people of the area to elect a representative capable of advocating for development, infrastructure and essential public services for their communities.
Senator Nwoko, whose motion triggered the Senate’s action, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian community enjoys equitable access to political representation, describing it as a fundamental pillar of participatory governance and democratic justice.
