The House of Representatives has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore suspended state constituencies in Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas of Benue State, raising concerns over under-representation and marginalisation of constituents.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the House Deputy Spokesman, Hon. Philip Agbese, during plenary on Tuesday.
While moving the motion, Agbese noted that Sections 91, 112, and 113 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empower INEC to periodically review and delimit state constituencies to ensure fair and equitable representation.
He pointed out that prior to certain delimitation exercises in the Fourth Republic, each of the three local government areas-Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo-had two distinct state constituencies each in the Benue State House of Assembly. These included Ado I and II, Ogbadibo I and II, and Okpokwu I and II, reflecting their population, landmass, and administrative significance as major Idoma-speaking communities.
The lawmaker, however, expressed concern that subsequent exercises by INEC reduced their representation to one constituency per local government, thereby leaving large populations and vast territories under the representation of a single lawmaker.
He argued that the development has had a negative impact on constituents, limiting their legislative voice and access to development projects and state resources.
He further noted that the current arrangement contradicts the principles of equity, justice, and federalism, and has triggered agitation among affected communities.
The House also referenced a previous resolution by the National Assembly directing INEC to restore suppressed constituencies such as Ukum II, Gboko and Nyamatsor ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While adopting the motion, the House urged INEC to immediately restore the suppressed constituencies in the three local government areas, bringing them back to two constituencies each, in line with constitutional provisions and historical records.
It further called on the electoral body to operationalise the constituencies and conduct elections into the six restored seats during the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers also urged the Senate to concur with the resolution to enhance its effectiveness.
The House resolved to transmit a certified true copy of the resolution to INEC, the Benue State Government, the Benue State House of Assembly and other relevant authorities for implementation.
It also mandated its Committee on INEC to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, to ensure compliance and the eventual restoration of the constituencies.