INEC fixes dates for primaries in restored Benue constituencies

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 16 to June 25, 2026, for the conduct of political party primaries in restored state constituencies across Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission announced the decision in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to INEC, the action followed court judgments directing the restoration of several previously suppressed constituencies and was carried out in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2026.

In Benue State, the restored constituencies are Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III State Constituencies.

INEC said the special primary elections would enable political parties to nominate candidates for the restored constituencies in preparation for the 2027 general election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election shall apply to the restored constituencies,” the commission stated.

The electoral body also directed political parties to submit notices of their primaries to the commission before the scheduled dates, citing the peculiar nature of the arrangement.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.