The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed June 16 to June 25, 2026, for political parties to conduct primaries in constituencies recently restored by court orders in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission said the exercise became necessary following judgments directing the restoration of previously suppressed state constituencies and in line with its constitutional mandate as well as the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the restored constituencies include Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III, Shangev-Tiev, Makurdi III, and Gboko III in Benue State.
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 has the restoration of Aujara State Constituency, while Kogi State has 10 restored constituencies comprising Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalaogwa and Ogugu.
INEC said the primaries are intended to facilitate the participation of the restored constituencies in the 2027 General Election, particularly in the nomination of candidates by political parties.
The commission clarified that all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election remain applicable to the restored constituencies.
It further directed political parties to submit notices of their primaries to the commission before the scheduled dates, noting that the arrangement requires special administrative coordination because of its unique nature.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes, assuring stakeholders that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the effective participation of the restored constituencies in the electoral cycle.
