Senate Directs INEC To Restore Aniocha North II Constituency Before 2027 Polls
Senate Pushes for Enforcement of Supreme Court Judgment
NIGERIA’S upper legislative chamber, the Nigerian Senate, has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the Supreme Court judgment restoring the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State ahead of the 2027 State House of Assembly elections.
The resolution was reached during plenary after a motion sponsored by Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta North. The motion sought legislative backing for the enforcement of the apex court’s ruling on the constituency’s restoration.
The Senate adopted the resolution through a voice vote, reflecting unanimous support for the move aimed at restoring democratic representation for communities that have remained without a legislative voice for years.
A Decade-Long Legal Battle
The Senate’s decision marks a turning point in a legal dispute that has lasted more than a decade.
Residents of several communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area—including Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo—began a legal process in 2014 seeking the restoration of the constituency.
Although the case was initially dismissed by the Federal High Court in Asaba, the Court of Appeal in Benin later ruled in favour of the communities in November 2017, ordering INEC to restore the constituency and conduct elections.
INEC subsequently appealed the judgment at the Supreme Court. However, on 29 November 2019, the apex court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the earlier decision as final and binding.
Despite the ruling, implementation stalled for several years, leaving the affected communities without representation in the state legislature.
Senate President Stresses Rule of Law
During the plenary session, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, emphasised that Supreme Court judgments must be respected and implemented without delay.
He directed Senate management to immediately liaise with INEC and also called on the House of Representatives to concur with the resolution in order to facilitate the restoration of the constituency.
According to him, the restored constituency should take effect in the next Delta State House of Assembly elections following the expiration of the current legislative tenure.
Akpabio noted that adherence to court judgments is fundamental to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and urged all relevant institutions to ensure compliance.
Communities Regain Political Voice
For the communities affected, the Senate’s resolution represents a significant step toward restoring political representation that has been absent for years.
The restoration will enable residents of the constituency to elect a representative in the Delta State House of Assembly who can advocate for development projects, infrastructure, and social services in the area.
Stakeholders and civil society groups have welcomed the Senate’s action, describing it as a victory for democratic rights and judicial integrity.
Observers say the move reinforces public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Nwoko Reaffirms Commitment to Representation
Speaking on the motion, Senator Nwoko reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy equal access to political representation.
He stressed that democracy can only thrive when every community has a voice in governance and the opportunity to elect leaders who will represent their interests.
The lawmaker also commended the Senate leadership for supporting the motion and urged relevant authorities to ensure that the Supreme Court judgment is implemented without further delay.
With the Senate’s endorsement, attention now turns to INEC and the House of Representatives to complete the necessary steps required to restore the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
If implemented as directed, the development will mark the end of a prolonged struggle by the people of Aniocha North II to reclaim their rightful place in the state’s legislative structure.
