INEC Restores Four Assembly Constituencies in Delta, Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has restored four state assembly constituencies in Delta and Kogi states following court judgments ordering their reinstatement. The commission announced the decision in a statement issued on Friday, August 14, 2026, signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who chairs the Information and Voter Education Committee.

The restored constituencies are Abraka, Isoko North II and Ughelli South II in Delta State, and Yagba West II in Kogi State. INEC has scheduled party primaries for these constituencies from August 21 to 25, 2026. The primaries will run concurrently with those for several bye-Elections, including the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies in Bauchi State, Udu State Constituency in Delta State, and Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State.

Elections for all listed constituencies have been fixed for September 19, 2026. INEC stated that all other timelines and activities in its revised timetable for the 2027 general election will apply to the restored constituencies. The commission urged political parties to submit notices of their primaries before the scheduled dates.

“The Commission remains committed to ensuring credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral processes,” Haruna said in the statement.

The restoration follows legal challenges that had previously suppressed the four constituencies. Court rulings compelled INEC to reverse the suppression and include the areas in the upcoming electoral schedule. The decision affects representation in two states where boundary disputes and litigation had left voters without elected representatives in the state assemblies.

INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 general election provides the framework for the new schedule. The commission has emphasized adherence to the timeline, warning parties against late submission of primary notices. The coordination of primaries across multiple states reflects an effort to streamline electoral operations and reduce administrative costs.

Political parties in the affected constituencies now have a narrow window to conduct primaries and submit candidates. The September 19 election date aligns with other scheduled bye-elections, creating a consolidated voting day across six states. Observers note that the court-ordered restoration underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding electoral rights and ensuring constituent representation.

The development comes as INEC prepares for the broader 2027 election cycle. The commission has faced scrutiny over constituency delineation and timely conduct of elections. Restoring the four constituencies resolves a legal impasse but adds logistical complexity to an already dense electoral calendar.

Voters in Abraka, Isoko North II, Ughelli South II, and Yagba West II will participate in the September polls for the first time since the constituencies were suppressed. Candidate emergence through the August primaries will determine the field for each seat. INEC has pledged to monitor party primaries for compliance with electoral guidelines.

The commission’s statement did not specify the reasons for the original suppression or the details of the court judgments. However, the restoration signals compliance with judicial directives and a commitment to filling vacant legislative seats. As the primary dates approach, party activities in the affected areas are expected to intensify.