Nigeria's electoral body takes steps to reinstate three legislative seats in Delta state

The Independent National Electoral Commission has initiated the process of reinstating the suppressed Abraka, Ughelli South II, and Isoko North II State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta State, in accordance with court judgments and constitutional provisions.

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This endeavor aims to reestablish representation for the affected communities, thereby ensuring their voices are heard in the state legislature, as stated by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Delta State, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, during a stakeholders' meeting at the INEC Conference Hall in Asaba on Friday.

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According to Umoren, the restoration of these constituencies is a crucial aspect of INEC's constitutional responsibility to implement court decisions and promote inclusive governance, which will ultimately strengthen democracy.

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The affected communities have been without proper representation in the Delta State House of Assembly, making this exercise necessary to address the existing representation gap, Umoren explained.

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Umoren emphasized that the exercise transcends a mere administrative process, as it seeks to restore the voices of communities that have been without proper representation in the State House of Assembly.

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He appealed to stakeholders to provide accurate information and encourage residents to participate peacefully in the process, which is essential for the exercise's success.

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Umoren commended the attendance of traditional rulers, political leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, community leaders, and members of the media at the meeting, despite the short notice.

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He urged traditional rulers to sensitize their subjects about the exercise and called on chairmen of the affected local government areas to mobilize residents to participate, while also appealing to security agencies to provide adequate security throughout the exercise.

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Umoren assured residents that the commission would conduct the restoration exercise with transparency, fairness, and professionalism, ensuring a peaceful process and boosting public confidence.

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He expressed confidence that, with the support of all stakeholders, the commission would successfully restore these constituencies and further strengthen democracy in Delta State.

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Mrs Emem Umoren, Deputy Director of Delineation, speaking on behalf of the Supervising National Commissioner for Delta State, described the restoration as a crucial step towards guaranteeing equal political representation for all communities.

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She stated that the exercise would ensure that residents of Abraka, Ughelli South II, and Isoko North II are no longer denied their constitutional right to elect representatives into the Delta State House of Assembly.

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Umoren urged political parties, traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents to cooperate with the commission, ensuring a peaceful and credible exercise that would ultimately strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and deepen democracy in the state.

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She expressed confidence that the support of stakeholders would ensure the successful restoration of the three constituencies, ultimately contributing to a more democratic and representative state government.