Constituency Restoration Will Guarantee Equal Representation– INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said constituency restoration is not merely an administrative exercise but a fundamental step toward guaranteeing inclusiveness and equal representation in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The resident electoral commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Sir Etekamba Umoren, stated this at the weekend during a stakeholders’ engagement in Asaba.

The event brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, local government chairmen, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, youths, community leaders and other stakeholders from the affected constituencies.

As part of the restoration process, INEC, following its restoration of suppressed State Assembly constituencies in Delta and three other states, INEC commenced moves to reinstate three additional constituencies in Delta State.

The constituencies were excluded from the initial exercise, ahead of the 2027 general election.

The move follows widespread criticism that greeted the commission’s initial restoration exercise, which excluded the three constituencies despite existing court judgments directing their reinstatement.

The omission attracted reactions from political leaders and stakeholders in Ughelli South and Isoko North LGAs, who argued that the affected constituencies deserved equal consideration.

In his welcome address, Umoren described the engagement as “timely and significant,” noting that the restoration of the suppressed constituencies was “in compliance with valid court judgments and relevant constitutional provisions.”

He said the exercise reflects INEC’s “unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting fairness and ensuring that every eligible citizen enjoys equitable representation in governance.”

The REC urged stakeholders to cooperate with the commission, saying access to accurate information and community support would guarantee the success of the exercise.

He appealed to stakeholders to “give maximum support to the commission’s technical team,” stressing that “access to accurate information, constructive engagement and community cooperation would ensure a credible and transparent exercise.”

Umoren also called on traditional rulers to use their influence in mobilising their communities and maintaining peace throughout the restoration process.

Speaking on behalf of the supervising national commissioner for Delta State, the deputy director of delineation, Emem Umoren, described the exercise as “a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”

She maintained that, “every citizen deserves fair and effective representation,” adding that “no community should be denied its rightful place in the legislative process or the dividends of democracy.”

According to her, the stakeholders’ meeting was organised “to provide clarity on the court judgments, explain the restoration process, promote transparency and accountability, encourage stakeholder participation, and strengthen public confidence in the electoral system.”

Chairmen of the affected local government councils, Augustine Ogedegbe of Ethiope East, Prince Godwin Ogorugba of Isoko North and Lucky Avweromre of Ughelli South, pledged their full support for the commission’s efforts and assured INEC of their commitment to ensuring the successful restoration of the suppressed constituencies in line with the court’s directives.

As part of the exercise, INEC deployed technical teams to the three constituencies to undertake geographical delineation and engage residents on issues relating to the proposed restoration.

The meeting ended peacefully, with stakeholders expressing optimism that Ughelli South II, Isoko North II and Abraka (Ethiope East) would be fully restored in time to participate in the 2027 general election.