Court Orders INEC to Restore, Conduct Elections in 11 Suppressed Kogi Constituencies
Court Orders INEC to Restore, Conduct Elections in 11 Suppressed Kogi Constituencies
A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore and conduct elections in 11 suppressed State House of Assembly constituencies in Kogi State, bringing long-awaited relief to affected communities.
Delivering the landmark judgment on Friday, Justice Isah A. Danshan ruled that INEC is constitutionally bound to conduct elections in the suppressed constituencies, stressing that their removal over the years amounted to grave injustice and denial of fair representation.
The court held that historical and legal evidence clearly confirmed the existence of the constituencies at the creation of Kogi State, and therefore directed INEC to restore them and conduct elections during the 2027 general elections.
“Having been proven beyond reasonable doubt, INEC must, without hesitation, conduct elections in the suppressed constituencies,” Justice Danshan declared.
Reacting to the judgment, Barrister Ayokunle Jonathan, lead counsel to the petitioners, expressed satisfaction with the ruling and urged INEC to comply fully and promptly.
Similarly, Barrister Zacchaeus Dare Michael, Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and one of the key plaintiffs in the suit against INEC and the Kogi State Government, described the verdict as a victory for democracy, equity, and justice.
“The cry of the people of the suppressed constituencies has finally been heard. This judgment has corrected a long-standing injustice,” he said.
With this ruling, the number of constituencies in the Kogi State House of Assembly is expected to increase from 25 to 36, ensuring broader representation across the state.
