By Dooyum Naadzenga
The Nigerian Senate Tuesday 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 East 1 — ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a Court of Appeal judgment.
The directive followed a motion by Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende (Benue North‑East), chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti‑Corruption and Financial Crimes.
Udende told the Senate that the Court of Appeal in Makurdi, on December 5, 2025, ordered INEC to conduct elections in Ukum II and Konshisha II for the Benue State House of Assembly in 2027.
The Senate extended the court’s decision to include Gboko East 1.
Udende cited INEC’s constitutional responsibilities under Sections 91, 112, 113 and 144 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which govern the equitable division of states into constituencies, require periodic reviews every 10 years and provide for boundary revision.
He argued that the three constituencies, which existed during the Second and Third Republics, were unjustly merged in the Fourth Republic, producing population imbalances and under‑representation of the distinct Afia and Shangev‑Tiev communities.
“These communities possess unique demographic, cultural and economic identities and have contributed significantly to Benue State and Nigeria,” Udende said, warning that failure to comply with the court ruling would erode public trust in institutions.
In a statement made available to the Daily Times and signed by Jerry Iorngaem, Special Assistant on media to Senator Udende, the senator reiterated the Senate’s demand for immediate action and urged stakeholders to cooperate to ensure the restoration is implemented before the 2027 elections.
The Senate urged INEC to update electoral boundaries, voter registers and planning frameworks promptly; mandated its Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters to engage the commission for a clear implementation timeline and to report back to the Senate; called on the National Assembly and the executive to provide necessary funding and technical support; and said it would seek concurrence from the House of Representatives.
Senators said the move is intended to promote peace, stability and credible elections in Benue State ahead of the 2027 polls.
