The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has formally directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately restore three state constituencies in Benue State Ukum II (Afia), Konshisha II (Shangev-Tiev), and Gboko 1 ensuring their full participation in the 2027 general elections.
The resolution follows a motion led by Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes. Senator Udende highlighted that despite a December 5, 2025, Court of Appeal judgment delivered in Makurdi ordering the restoration, INEC has yet to implement the ruling.
The Senate emphasized that the removal of these constituencies during the Fourth Republic was an “unjust anomaly” that led to democratic exclusion and population imbalance. Historically, these constituencies were fully functional during the Second and Third Republics.
“The judgment of the Court of Appeal represents a reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy and the democratic rights of the people,” Senator Udende stated. “Any further delay by INEC undermines constitutional order and public confidence in our institutions.”
In its resolution, the Senate cited several constitutional obligations:
Section 112: Mandates INEC to divide states into constituencies that reflect the appropriate number of House of Assembly seats.
Section 113: Requires a review of constituency divisions at intervals of no more than ten years to ensure population equity.
Section 114: Empowers INEC to revise boundaries in accordance with constitutional guidelines.
The Senate noted that the restoration is essential to guarantee peace and political stability within the Afia and Ishangev-Tiev communities, which possess distinct demographic and cultural identities.
To ensure swift compliance, the Senate has resolved to:
Direct INEC to urgently update its electoral boundaries, voter registers, and administrative frameworks to include the restored seats.
Mandate the Senate Committee on INEC to engage the commission, demand a clear implementation timeline, and monitor progress.
Call for Funding: The Senate urged the National Assembly and the Executive to provide INEC with the necessary financial and technical support to facilitate the restoration.
Seek Concurrence: The resolution will be forwarded to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
The Senate remains firm that the constitutional right of these affected communities to fair representation is non-negotiable and must be rectified “unfailingly” before the 2027 polls.
