The Kogi State House of Assembly has formally called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore twelve constituencies that were suppressed over two decades ago, describing the action as crucial for ensuring fair political representation and fostering democratic inclusiveness in the state. This appeal comes after a motion raised on the floor of the House by Hon. Seyi Bello, who represents the Kabba/Bunu Constituency, highlighted the disparities created by the decades-long absence of these constituencies and the negative impact on governance and development across affected communities.
Hon. Bello drew attention to the 1999 Constitution, noting that it grants INEC the explicit power to conduct constituency delimitation and ensure that population distribution across constituencies is equitable. According to Section 91 of the Constitution, every state must have three to four times its number of federal constituencies represented in the state assembly. With Kogi State currently having nine federal constituencies, the law mandates that the state assembly should have between twenty-seven and thirty-six constituencies to reflect population distribution accurately. Currently, the state has only twenty-five constituencies, a figure that falls short of the constitutional requirement.
Hon. Bello recalled that upon the creation of Kogi State in 1991, the First Assembly operated with thirty-two constituencies. However, following a delimitation exercise carried out by INEC in 1998, twelve constituencies were removed. The constituencies affected by the suppression included Kabba-Bunu II, Ijumu II, Koton Karfe I, Yagba West II, Adavi II, Ife/Ogodu, Igala Ogba, Okura, Enjema, Dekina Town, Olamaboro II, and Bassa-Nge/Gbirra. According to the lawmaker, the removal of these constituencies was a serious violation of the constitutional and democratic rights of the citizens of these areas.
Supporting the call for restoration, Hon. Bello cited two significant court cases that upheld the rights of these constituencies. The first, filed by the Kogi State Government in 2014, led to a 2015 Federal High Court ruling that directed INEC to restore six constituencies in Kogi East. The second, filed by Omoluabi Olabode Adeyemi, sought the reinstatement of Kabba-Bunu II, emphasizing the legal backing for the full restoration of all suppressed constituencies. Additionally, Hon. Bello reminded the House that on March 19, 2025, the House of Representatives passed a resolution directing INEC to restore all suppressed constituencies in both Kogi and Delta States, demonstrating legislative consensus on the urgency of this matter.
The delay in implementing these judicial rulings and legislative directives, according to Hon. Bello, has denied thousands of citizens their constitutional right to full representation in the state assembly. He emphasized that the failure to conduct the necessary delimitation exercise has created long-term socio-political disadvantages for the affected communities, weakening democracy and slowing development for over twenty years. By suppressing these constituencies, entire localities have been marginalized, missing opportunities to participate meaningfully in state-level decision-making processes.
Speaking further, Hon. Bello stated, “For over twenty years, the residents of Kabba-Bunu II, Ijumu II, Koton Karfe I, and the other affected constituencies have been denied a voice in the State House of Assembly. Their exclusion has led to inequitable distribution of resources, delayed infrastructural development, and a sense of disenfranchisement among the people. It is high time that INEC complied with both the Constitution and court orders to restore these constituencies and ensure democratic representation for all citizens of Kogi State.”
The House of Assembly unanimously agreed with Hon. Bello’s motion, urging INEC to undertake the delimitation process without further delay. The lawmakers noted that the restoration of the constituencies is not merely a legal obligation but also a moral and political imperative, essential for strengthening democracy, promoting equality, and fostering development across Kogi State.
Political analysts have weighed in on the issue, noting that the prolonged suppression of constituencies in Kogi State has had far-reaching consequences. The lack of adequate representation has contributed to uneven development, with some areas enjoying more government attention and resources while others remain neglected. By restoring the twelve suppressed constituencies, INEC would enable a more equitable allocation of development projects, improve access to state services, and enhance citizen engagement in political processes.
Furthermore, restoring the constituencies would ensure that electoral outcomes reflect the true demographic distribution in the state, preventing overrepresentation of certain areas at the expense of others. Experts have argued that such measures are critical for reinforcing trust in democratic institutions, especially in states like Kogi where historical disparities have created a sense of marginalization among various communities.
Hon. Bello also highlighted the broader implications for governance and accountability. With more constituencies properly represented, state legislators would be better positioned to advocate for local needs, propose relevant legislation, and monitor the implementation of policies within their jurisdictions. This, in turn, would promote transparency, inclusiveness, and a responsive government capable of addressing the concerns of all citizens.
The Kogi State House of Assembly’s call for immediate restoration of the twelve suppressed constituencies underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional mandates and upholding democratic principles. As the matter gains attention, stakeholders including civil society organizations, political parties, and citizen groups have joined calls for INEC to act promptly. Many argue that restoring the constituencies would serve as a demonstration of the commission’s commitment to fairness, justice, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
In conclusion, the urgent appeal by the Kogi State House of Assembly signals a decisive step toward rectifying long-standing imbalances in political representation. By reinstating the twelve suppressed constituencies, INEC would not only fulfill its constitutional duty but also empower thousands of Kogi citizens, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance social and political development across the state. The restoration of these constituencies promises to be a landmark moment in Kogi State’s political history, ensuring that every community has a rightful voice in shaping the state’s future.
