Lokoja, Kogi State – February 27, 2026 – A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has delivered a landmark judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore 11 suppressed state constituencies in Kogi State and conduct elections in them during the 2027 general elections.
Justice Isah Danshan (also referred to in reports as Isah A. Danshan or Isa Dashen) ruled that the affected constituencies were valid and legally recognized at the time Kogi State was created in 1991. The court emphasized that records presented proved their existence beyond reasonable doubt, describing the long-standing omission from electoral processes as a clear injustice against residents of the impacted areas.
“Having been proven beyond reasonable fact, the Independent National Electoral Commission must, without hesitation, conduct elections in the suppressed constituencies in 2027,” Justice Danshan declared in his judgment.
The ruling stems from a suit challenging INEC's exclusion of these constituencies from the state's electoral framework for decades, resulting in unequal representation in the Kogi State House of Assembly. Previously, elections have been held for only 25 state assembly seats, but the judgment paves the way for an increase to 36 constituencies in the next cycle, ensuring fairer geographic and demographic representation.
Barrister Ayo Kunle Jonathan, lead counsel for the petitioners, hailed the decision as a victory for equity and democratic inclusion. He urged INEC to comply promptly and begin necessary preparations, including boundary reviews, voter registration updates, and logistical arrangements, to facilitate polls in the restored areas during the 2027 elections.
The suit was instituted by the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Zacchaeus Dare Michael (also referred to in some reports as part of the broader advocacy efforts), alongside other concerned citizens and legal practitioners. Michael described the verdict as the culmination of years of marginalization, noting that the voices of affected communities had finally been heard through judicial intervention.
He appealed to INEC to initiate administrative and legal processes without delay to implement the court's directive, stressing that the restoration would correct historical imbalances and strengthen participatory democracy in Kogi State.
The suppressed constituencies reportedly include one in Kogi East Senatorial District, six in Kogi Central, and four in Kogi West, based on earlier advocacy by groups like Concerned Citizens and petitions submitted to INEC as far back as November 2025. These areas had been omitted post-state creation, leading to protests, petitions to INEC headquarters in Abuja and Lokoja, and calls from the Kogi State House of Assembly itself for restoration in line with constitutional provisions and prior structures.
The judgment aligns with longstanding demands for adherence to Section 91 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates a minimum of three to four state constituencies per federal constituency to ensure equitable representation. Advocacy efforts intensified in late 2025, with protesters marching to INEC offices and submitting formal demands for reversion to the 1991/1992 assembly structure.
INEC has not yet issued an official response to the ruling, but the commission is expected to review the judgment and outline compliance steps, potentially involving delimitation exercises or consultations with relevant stakeholders. The decision could have significant implications for the 2027 state assembly elections, increasing legislative seats and potentially altering political dynamics in Kogi State.
Political observers view the ruling as a boost for grassroots advocacy on electoral justice and a reminder of the judiciary's role in addressing perceived disenfranchisement. Residents in the affected constituencies have welcomed the development, expressing hope for improved representation, resource allocation, and attention to local needs.
The case highlights ongoing debates over constituency delineation in Nigeria, where historical adjustments and administrative decisions have sometimes led to disparities in representation. With the 2027 polls approaching, the ruling adds another layer to preparations amid INEC's recently updated electoral timetable.
Further details on implementation timelines and any potential appeals are awaited as stakeholders monitor INEC's next moves.
