By Monsurat Abisoye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled 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 disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to INEC, the decision followed court judgments directing the restoration of several previously suppressed constituencies and was taken in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2026.
In Benue State, the restored constituencies include Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III State Constituencies.
INEC explained that the special primary elections would enable political parties to nominate candidates for the restored constituencies in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
The commission clarified that all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election would remain applicable to the restored constituencies.
It also directed political parties to submit notices of their primaries to the commission ahead of the scheduled dates, citing the peculiar nature of the exercise.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes as preparations for the 2027 General Election continue.