In a landmark ruling delivered on Friday, February 27, 2026, a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore and conduct elections in suppressed constituencies across Kogi State. Justice Isah A. Danshan, in his judgment, declared the restoration of these areas mandatory, highlighting that factual evidence confirms these constituencies existed at the inception of the state but were unfairly phased out of the electoral process over the years.
The judicial and structural consequence of this decision is a significant expansion of the state’s legislative map. The court lamented the long-standing injustice faced by these communities and insisted that INEC must, without hesitation, integrate these 36 suppressed constituencies into the 2027 general election cycle. By directing the commission to begin immediate preparations, the court has effectively reset the representation balance in Kogi, ensuring that historically marginalized voters regain their constitutional voice in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
Analytically, the judgment represents a major victory for local government autonomy and equitable representation. The legal challenge was spearheaded by Barr. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, who sued both INEC and the Kogi State Government to correct the historical imbalance. Lead counsel for the petitioner, Barr. Ayo Kunle Jonathan, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, noting that the ruling forces the electoral umpire to align its records with the actual administrative history of the state.
The impact on “Democratic Representation and Judicial Oversight” is a vital dimension of this case. Barr. Zacchaeus Dare Michael stated that the “cries of the people” in these affected areas have finally been heard, asserting that the judiciary has acted as a necessary check on administrative oversight. He called on INEC to initiate the delimitation and registration processes required to accommodate these constituencies immediately, arguing that the correction of this decades-old injustice is a win for the rule of law.
Furthermore, the ruling places a significant logistical and budgetary responsibility on INEC. Restoring 36 constituencies will require the creation of new registration areas, the deployment of additional electoral officers, and an update to the national voter database ahead of the 2027 polls. The judgment serves as a precedent for other states in Nigeria where similar “constituency suppression” has been alleged, potentially triggering a nationwide wave of litigation aimed at electoral restructuring.
The long-term outlook for Kogi State’s political landscape is one of increased localized governance. With the restoration of these seats, the State House of Assembly is expected to become more diverse, reflecting the unique needs of a larger number of communities. As INEC begins to process the court’s directive, the focus will remain on how the commission manages the technical complexities of re-enfranchising these 36 constituencies in time for the next major election.
