In a decisive move reinforcing respect for judicial authority and democratic representation, the Nigerian Senate has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement a Supreme Court judgment restoring the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State ahead of the 2027 State House of Assembly elections.
The resolution was reached during plenary following a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District.
In presenting the motion, he emphasized the constitutional obligation of all institutions to comply fully with the decisions of the courts.
The Senate adopted the resolution through a unanimous voice vote, reflecting broad support among lawmakers for the restoration of democratic representation to communities that have remained without legislative representation for years.
The decision follows a prolonged legal dispute spanning more than a decade. Several communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area, including Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma and Ogodo, had sought judicial intervention after the Aniocha North II constituency was suppressed.
In 2017, the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin ruled that the constituency should be restored and that elections must be conducted accordingly.
The Independent National Electoral Commission subsequently appealed the ruling, but on November 29, 2019, the Supreme Court of Nigeria dismissed the appeal and affirmed the earlier judgment as final and binding under the provisions of the constitution.
Despite the definitive ruling, implementation was delayed for several years, leaving the affected communities without representation in the Delta State House of Assembly.
During the plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio approved the resolution directing INEC to ensure that the restored constituency is reflected in preparations for the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly elections after the expiration of the current legislative tenure.
He stressed that decisions of the apex court must be respected and implemented without hesitation, noting that the authority of the judiciary remains fundamental to the country’s democratic framework.
The Senate further called on the House of Representatives to concur with the resolution and communicate the decision to INEC to facilitate prompt implementation, stressing the need to restore the political rights of the affected communities.
For residents of the long-excluded communities, the Senate’s action represents a significant milestone after years of legal struggle.
Stakeholders and civil society groups have welcomed the development, describing it as a victory for democratic inclusion and the rule of law.
Beyond correcting a longstanding imbalance, the restoration of the constituency will enable the people of Aniocha North II to elect a representative who can advocate for their interests and address local development needs.
Senator Nwoko, whose motion triggered the Senate’s intervention, reiterated his commitment to promoting equitable representation, noting that inclusive political participation remains a critical pillar of democratic governance.
