The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially restored the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State, ending more than a decade of legal disputes, political agitation, and demands for equitable representation by communities in the area.
The development comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with INEC announcing that political party primaries for the constituency will be conducted between June 16 and June 25, 2026, in line with the electoral timetable for the upcoming polls.
The restoration marks a major political victory for the people of the affected communities and for Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly and has consistently championed the cause at both judicial and legislative levels.
For over ten years, several communities within Aniocha North Local Government Area, including Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo, were without proper representation in the Delta State House of Assembly despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing their right to legislative representation.
The crisis dates back to 2014 when the constituency structure became the subject of intense legal contestation.
Community leaders and stakeholders argued that the absence of a dedicated constituency effectively disenfranchised thousands of voters and denied the area fair participation in state legislative affairs.
The matter moved through several courts over the years before reaching the Supreme Court, which on November 29, 2019, delivered a landmark judgment affirming the legitimacy of the constituency and directing INEC to conduct elections for its representation.
Despite the apex court’s ruling, implementation of the judgment suffered prolonged delays, creating frustration among residents who accused authorities of ignoring a binding judicial decision.
The deadlock, however, began to shift following renewed legislative intervention by Senator Ned Nwoko.
On March 11, 2025, the senator raised the matter formally on the floor of the Senate through a motion that called attention to INEC’s continued non-compliance with the Supreme Court judgment and the democratic implications of denying the people representation.
Political observers say the Senate intervention increased pressure on electoral authorities and helped accelerate the eventual implementation process.
INEC’s formal announcement confirming the restoration was contained in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The commission stated that Aniocha North II was among several constituencies across the country that had been restored following legal and administrative reviews.
Political parties are now expected to comply with INEC regulations by submitting notices and conducting primaries within the approved timeframe as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
For residents of the affected communities, the restoration is being viewed not merely as an administrative adjustment, but as the end of years of political exclusion and a significant step toward restoring democratic inclusion, representation, and constitutional justice in Delta North.
