Reps Demand Restoration of Six Benue Constituencies

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives, led by Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbes, passed a motion urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore six constituencies in Benue State. The motion referenced Sections 91, 112, and 113 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower INEC to review and delimit constituencies to ensure equitable representation.

The lawmakers highlighted that the current structure weakens representation, particularly in the Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas (LGAs), which previously had two constituencies each. They noted that the reduction to a single constituency has left large populations without adequate legislative voice, contradicting principles of equity and justice.

The motion calls for the immediate restoration of the six constituencies, with a request for the Senate to concur, and emphasizes the need for INEC to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation, to ensure compliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.