The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled new guidelines and regulations for the recall of elected officials at both state and federal levels. This announcement was made on Thursday by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The meeting also included a review of preparations for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024, during which the revised recall regulations were approved.
The decision comes in response to numerous requests from constituents looking to initiate recalls of their representatives in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly, with some groups urging INEC to initiate the process on their behalf.
Olumekun stated, “The commission met today, Thursday, 19th September 2024, and in addition to reviewing the Edo State governorship election preparations, we also considered and approved the revised Regulations and Guidelines for the Recall of members of the national and state Assemblies and councillors in the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.”
He emphasized that the recall process is initiated by voters within a constituency. “For clarity, the process is initiated by the voters. The commission only implements their request in line with Sections 69, 110, and 160 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Sections 2(c) and 113 of the Electoral Act, 2022,” he clarified.
The new guidelines, detailed in a 10-page document, require constituents wishing to recall their elected officials to submit a petition to the INEC Chairman. The comprehensive guidelines are now available on INEC’s official website and social media platforms, encouraging constituents to familiarize themselves with the process.
