Reps Demand Restoration of Six Benue Constituencies

The House of Representatives has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore six constituencies in Benue State, specifically in the Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas (LGAs). This motion was moved on Tuesday by Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbes, referencing sections 91, 112, and 113 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower INEC to review and delimit constituencies to ensure equitable representation.

Agbes noted that the current structure weakens representation and diminishes legislative voice, particularly affecting the Idoma-speaking population in the region. He argued that the previous arrangement, which included two constituencies each for Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo, better reflected the population size and landmass.

The motion aims to address the concerns of marginalization and limit access to government projects and resources. The House has urged INEC to implement this restoration before the 2027 general elections and has called for the Senate's concurrence on the resolution, with certified copies forwarded to INEC and the Benue State government.