The House of Representatives has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore six suppressed state constituencies in Benue State, citing concerns over under-representation and marginalisation.
The constituencies are located in Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas (LGAs), where lawmakers say the current structure has weakened effective representation.
The resolution followed a motion moved on Tuesday by the House Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese.
Moving the motion, Agbese referenced Sections 91, 112 and 113 of the 1999 Constitution, noting that INEC is constitutionally empowered to review and delimit constituencies to ensure equitable representation.
He recalled that Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo LGAs previously had two constituencies each—Ado I and II, Okpokwu I and II, as well as Ogbadibo I and II—reflecting their population size, landmass and significance as major Idoma-speaking areas.
However, he noted that subsequent constituency delineation exercises by INEC reduced each LGA to a single constituency, leaving large populations and expansive territories under one lawmaker.
According to him, the development has diminished the legislative voice of the affected communities and limited their access to government projects and resources.
Agbese argued that the current arrangement contradicts the principles of equity, justice and federalism, adding that it has triggered sustained agitation among constituents.
Adopting the motion, the House urged INEC to immediately restore the six constituencies, two per LGA and operationalise them ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawmakers also called on the Senate to concur with the resolution to enhance its implementation, noting that a certified copy would be forwarded to INEC, the Benue State Government and the State House of Assembly.
The House further mandated its Committee on INEC to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation, to ensure compliance and full restoration of the constituencies.
