…Move Aims to Deepen Democracy, Ensure Fair Representation Across Affected Communities
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the process of restoring three previously suppressed State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta State, reaffirming its commitment to implementing court judgments and constitutional provisions aimed at guaranteeing equitable political representation.
The constituencies slated for restoration are Isoko North Constituency II, Abraka State Constituency in Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Ughelli South Constituency II.
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Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement held on Friday at the INEC Conference Hall in Asaba, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, described the exercise as a constitutional responsibility designed to strengthen representative democracy and restore the political rights of affected communities.
According to the REC, the engagement marked a significant milestone in the constituency restoration process and reflected the shared commitment of INEC and key stakeholders to promoting inclusive governance and democratic participation.
He commended traditional rulers, political leaders, elected representatives, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, youth and women groups, community leaders and other stakeholders for honouring the commission’s invitation despite the short notice.
Umoren stressed that the restoration exercise extends beyond administrative procedures, noting that it is intended to ensure that communities previously affected by constituency suppression regain their rightful representation in the Delta State House of Assembly.
“The restoration of these suppressed State constituencies is in compliance with court judgments and relevant constitutional provisions. It reflects INEC’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting fairness and strengthening representative democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that restoring the constituencies would provide residents with stronger legislative representation while enabling elected lawmakers to better address the needs, aspirations and developmental priorities of their constituents.
The REC called on stakeholders to cooperate fully with the commission’s technical team responsible for implementing the exercise, stressing that access to accurate information, constructive dialogue and active grassroots participation would be crucial to ensuring a transparent and credible process.
He particularly appealed to traditional rulers to use their influence in promoting peace, understanding and community support throughout the restoration exercise.
Umoren also urged the chairmen of the affected local government councils to mobilise residents and facilitate broad-based participation to ensure the process genuinely reflects the aspirations of their communities.
He further appealed to security agencies to provide adequate protection and maintain law and order throughout the exercise, saying public confidence and a peaceful environment remain essential to its successful implementation.
Reassuring residents of Isoko North Constituency II, Abraka and Ughelli South Constituency II, the REC pledged that INEC would remain impartial, transparent and professional in discharging its constitutional mandate.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among stakeholders would ensure the successful restoration of the constituencies while further consolidating democratic governance in Delta State.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Supervising National Commissioner for Delta State, Mrs. Emem Umoren, Deputy Director of Delineation, described the initiative as a landmark step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral system.
She noted that the restoration represents a modern, inclusive and constitutional approach to electoral development, reaffirming the principle that every citizen deserves fair and effective representation in government.
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According to her, restoring the constituencies will ensure that no community is denied its rightful voice in the legislative process while extending the dividends of democracy to every part of Delta State.
Mrs. Umoren urged participants to approach the deliberations with unity, fairness and inclusiveness, emphasising that meaningful engagement by all stakeholders would help build a more representative democratic system where every community has an equal voice and every citizen has a meaningful stake in governance.
