By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that elections will be conducted in the restored Abraka (Ethiope East II), Ughelli South II and Isoko North II State Constituencies during the 2027 General Elections.
The confirmation was made in Asaba during a stakeholders’ engagement convened by INEC following recent judgments of the Federal High Court restoring the three state constituencies.
The development marks a significant milestone in the prolonged agitation for the restoration of the constituencies and is expected to pave the way for residents of the affected areas to participate fully in the 2027 electoral process.
Reacting to the development, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, commended INEC for its decision to proceed with elections in the three restored constituencies in compliance with the Federal High Court judgments.
Dafinone described the restoration as the culmination of sustained advocacy by Deltans and the collective efforts of stakeholders committed to correcting what he described as a longstanding injustice.
He disclosed that several representations made by his office in 2025 and 2026 formed part of the advocacy efforts that contributed to the restoration process, alongside the decisive pronouncements of the Federal High Court.
The senator expressed appreciation to all individuals and groups who contributed to the restoration of the constituencies, while commending the resilience and determination of the people of Ughelli South and Ethiope East in their pursuit of justice.
He congratulated the people of Abraka (Ethiope East II), Ughelli South II and Isoko North II on what he described as a historic milestone.
Dafinone further expressed optimism that the restoration would enable the affected communities to participate fully in the democratic process and exercise their franchise during the 2027 General Elections.
The confirmation by INEC is expected to bring an end to uncertainty surrounding the electoral status of the three constituencies and provide a clear framework for political parties, candidates and voters in the affected areas ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development also underscores the significance of the Federal High Court judgments, which restored the constituencies and created the legal basis for their inclusion in the forthcoming general elections.