INEC Fixes June 16–25 Primaries for Restored Constituencies in Benue, Kogi, Others

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled June 16 to 25, 2026, for political parties to conduct primaries in constituencies recently restored by court judgments in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The decision was announced in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

INEC said the move followed judgments directing the restoration of several previously suppressed state constituencies and was in line with the powers vested in the Commission by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2026.

According to the Commission, 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.

The Commission also restored Aujara State Constituency in Jigawa State.

For Kogi State, the affected constituencies are 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 special primary elections would enable political parties to nominate candidates for the restored constituencies and ensure their full participation in the 2027 General Election.

“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 said.

The electoral body clarified that all timelines and activities already contained in the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election would remain applicable to the restored constituencies.

It, however, directed political parties to submit notices of their primaries to the Commission ahead of the scheduled dates, citing the unique circumstances surrounding the exercise.

“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,” INEC stated.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive electoral processes as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.