BREAKING: INEC Restores Six Additional State Assembly Constituencies in Delta Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored six previously suppressed State Assembly constituencies in Delta State and fixed June 16 to June 25, 2026, for political parties to conduct fresh primaries in the affected constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development follows court judgments directing the restoration of suppressed constituencies in Delta, Benue, Jigawa, and Kogi states.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the restored constituencies in Delta State are Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South-West II, and Warri North II.

The restoration is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape in Delta State, particularly in areas that have long demanded increased representation in the Delta State House of Assembly.

INEC explained that the decision was taken in compliance with court orders and in line with the powers conferred on the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2026.

To ensure the restored constituencies fully participate in the 2027 general elections, the electoral body directed all political parties to conduct primaries between June 16 and June 25, 2026, for the nomination of candidates.

The Commission further instructed political parties to submit notices of their primaries ahead of the exercise, noting that the special arrangement was necessary because of the unique circumstances surrounding the restoration of the constituencies.

Political observers believe the restoration of the six constituencies could alter political calculations across Delta State, especially in Warri South-West II and Warri North II, where representation and electoral delineation issues have generated significant public interest in recent months.

INEC clarified that aside from the special primaries for the restored constituencies, all other timelines and activities contained in the already published timetable and schedule for the 2027 general election remain unchanged.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive elections across the country.

The restoration of the additional constituencies is expected to create new opportunities for political participation, grassroots representation, and democratic inclusion for thousands of voters across Delta State.