A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore and conduct elections in previously suppressed constituencies in Kogi State as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Isah A. Danshan of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, declared it mandatory for elections to be conducted in the affected constituencies. He lamented what he described as years of injustice, noting that available facts point to the existence of those constituencies at the creation of Kogi State. The judge subsequently ordered their immediate restoration.
The court held that denying the areas representation in the State House of Assembly amounts to a violation of democratic principles and electoral fairness. It therefore directed INEC to take necessary steps to reinstate the constituencies and ensure that residents are allowed to elect their representatives during the 2027 polls.
The case was brought before the court by concerned stakeholders who argued that the continued exclusion of the constituencies has deprived citizens of legislative representation and political participation. The ruling has been welcomed by community leaders and political observers, who described it as a major victory for grassroots democracy in the state.
Although INEC has yet to issue an official response, legal experts say the commission is constitutionally bound to comply with the judgment unless it files and succeeds in an appeal.
The development is expected to significantly reshape Kogi State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially increasing representation in the State Assembly and expanding voter inclusion across the affected constituencies.
