INEC Ordered to Restore Aniocha North II Constituency Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Nigerian Senate has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement a landmark ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, restoring the Aniocha North II State Constituency ahead of the 2027 State House of Assembly elections.

The resolution was adopted during plenary following a motion moved by Ned Nwoko, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, who emphasised the constitutional obligation to fully comply with judicial decisions.

The Senate approved the motion through a unanimous voice vote, signalling a strong institutional commitment to restoring democratic representation for communities that have been without legislative voice for years.

The restoration follows a protracted legal battle spanning more than a decade after the constituency was suppressed, affecting several communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area including Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma and Ogodo.

In 2017, the Court of Appeal ruled that the constituency must be restored and elections conducted. However, INEC challenged the decision at the apex court. On November 29, 2019, the Supreme Court of Nigeria dismissed the appeal, affirming the earlier judgment as final and binding under Section 115 of the Constitution.

Despite the clear ruling, implementation stalled for years, leaving thousands of residents without representation in the Delta State House of Assembly.

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At the plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio approved the resolution directing INEC to ensure that the restored constituency is reflected in the 2027 State House of Assembly elections following the expiration of the current Assembly’s tenure. He stressed that “a Supreme Court decision is final and must be implemented,” echoing widespread calls for adherence to democratic principles.

The Senate also urged the House of Representatives to concur with the resolution and formally communicate with INEC to accelerate implementation, emphasising the urgency of restoring the affected communities’ political voice.

For residents of the long-excluded communities, the Senate’s decision represents a historic breakthrough. Civil society groups and stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting that the move strengthens confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the authority of the judiciary.

The restoration is expected to correct a longstanding political imbalance and enable the people of Aniocha North II to elect a representative capable of advocating for development, infrastructure, and public services in their communities.

Senator Ned Nwoko, whose motion triggered the Senate’s intervention, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring equitable political representation for all Nigerians, describing it as a fundamental pillar of participatory democracy.

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