The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed political parties to conduct fresh primaries in 20 newly restored state constituencies across four states following court judgments ordering their reinstatement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The electoral umpire announced that the affected constituencies are located in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states, with party primaries scheduled to hold between June 16 and June 25, 2026.
In a press release issued on Wednesday and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said the decision was in compliance with court orders and the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2026.
“Pursuant to the judgment of the Courts directing the restoration of some suppressed constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi States, and in line with the powers conferred on the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission has restored the following State Constituencies,” Haruna stated.
According to the Commission, five constituencies were restored in Benue State, six in Delta State, one in Jigawa State and eight in Kogi State.
The restored constituencies in Benue State are Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East) and Gboko III.
In Delta State, the restored constituencies are Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II and Warri North II.
Jigawa State regained the Aujara State Constituency, while Kogi State had Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalaogwa and Ogugu restored.
INEC said the fresh primaries would enable political parties to nominate candidates for the affected constituencies in line with the timetable for the 2027 elections.
“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,” the statement added.
The Commission clarified that all other timelines and activities contained in its already published revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election remain unchanged and will apply 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,” Haruna said.
INEC further directed political parties to formally notify the Commission before conducting the special primaries.
“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,” he stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the Commission assured Nigerians that it would continue to uphold transparency and inclusiveness throughout the electoral process.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes,” Haruna added.
