A decades-long struggle for political representation has ended in victory as the restoration of Aniocha North Constituency II in Delta State moves closer to full implementation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, announced the development on Thursday, describing it as a landmark triumph for democracy, constitutional governance, and the rule of law.
Aniocha North Constituency II, which was lawfully created in 1991 and became operational in 1992, disappeared from Nigeria’s electoral structure following the interruption of democratic governance by the military in 1993.
Despite the return to democratic rule in 1999, the constituency was never reinstated, leaving thousands of residents without direct representation in the Delta State House of Assembly.
The affected communities, comprising the Idumuje and Odiani clans, include Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniofu, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Ugbodu, Idumuogo, Ubulubu, Ogodor, and Anioma.
For more than three decades, residents pursued legal action in a bid to reclaim what they considered their constitutional right to representation.
Their campaign eventually yielded favorable judgments from both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which ruled in their favor in 2019.
However, implementation of the judgment remained stalled for years, prompting continued agitation from stakeholders and community leaders.
Speaking on the development, Senator Nwoko said the prolonged delay in enforcing the Supreme Court’s decision undermined democratic principles and the rule of law.
According to him, shortly after assuming office, he sponsored a motion in the Senate titled “Restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency Pursuant to Supreme Court Judgment” to ensure compliance with the apex court’s ruling.
The Senate unanimously adopted the motion and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully implement the judgment and restore the constituency without further delay. Lawmakers also noted that similar cases existed in other parts of the country and required attention.
The latest breakthrough came as INEC directed political parties to conduct primary elections in the restored constituencies in preparation for the 2027 elections, a move widely seen as a decisive step toward full restoration.
Senator Nwoko attributed the success to the resilience and determination of the affected communities, traditional rulers, legal advocates, community leaders, and residents who sustained the campaign over the years.
“This achievement belongs first and foremost to the people who never gave up on their constitutional rights,” he said.
He described the restoration as more than an electoral adjustment, noting that it represents the reaffirmation of the democratic principle that every community deserves fair representation and equal participation in governance.
The senator urged stakeholders to embrace the development with unity and renewed commitment to community development, adding that the victory demonstrates how persistence and lawful engagement can overcome longstanding injustices.
With the restoration process now underway, residents of Aniocha North Constituency II are expected to participate fully in future electoral activities and once again have dedicated representation in the state legislature.
For many in the constituency, the development marks the end of a 32-year quest for justice and the beginning of a new chapter in their political history.
