The Nigerian Senate has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately restore three state constituencies in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections, in compliance with a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment.
The constituencies to be reinstated are Ukum II (Afia), Konshisha II (Shangev-Tiev), and Gboko East I, following a resolution adopted by the upper chamber after deliberation on a motion sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes.
According to a statement issued by Jerry Iorngaem, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Udende, the Senate’s directive is anchored on a Court of Appeal ruling delivered in Makurdi on December 5, 2025, which ordered INEC to conduct elections in the affected constituencies during the 2027 polls.
Presenting the motion, Senator Udende expressed concern that despite the clear judgment, INEC had yet to take steps toward implementation. He quoted the court as ordering the electoral body to “conduct elections to Ukum II (Afia) and Konshisha II (Ishangev-Tiev) state constituencies of Benue State House of Assembly in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, unfailingly.”
The lawmaker emphasized that INEC, as established under Section 153(f) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is constitutionally mandated to organize, undertake, and supervise elections, including the delineation of constituencies.
He further cited Sections 91, 112, and 113 of the Constitution, which outline the framework for determining the number of seats in state Houses of Assembly, constituency delineation, and periodic review of electoral boundaries. He noted that the Electoral Act 2022 also reinforces INEC’s responsibility in this regard.
The Senate described the non-restoration of the constituencies as a longstanding anomaly that has led to democratic exclusion, population imbalance, and under-representation of affected communities.
Udende reminded lawmakers that the constituencies previously existed during the Second and Third Republics, providing direct legislative representation before their removal in the Fourth Republic without adequate constitutional backing.
He stressed that communities such as Afia and Ishangev-Tiev possess distinct demographic, cultural, and economic identities and have contributed significantly to the development of Benue State and Nigeria.
The Senate warned that any further delay in implementing the court judgment could undermine constitutional order, weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, and affect electoral credibility.
Consequently, the upper chamber urged INEC to urgently update its electoral boundaries, voter register, administrative structures, and election planning frameworks to reflect the restored constituencies ahead of 2027.
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It also mandated its Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters to engage the commission, demand a clear implementation timeline, and report back on compliance.
The Senate further called on the National Assembly and the Executive to provide INEC with the necessary funding and technical support to facilitate the restoration process and conduct elections in the affected constituencies, while seeking concurrence from the House of Representatives.
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