The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved revised guidelines for the recall of members of the National and State Assemblies and councillors in the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils.
This decision comes amidst growing economic hardship in the country, prompting several Nigerians to petition INEC for the recall of their elected representatives.
INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
He explained that the Commission received numerous requests from various groups across the country for the recall of their representatives in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
“The Commission has, in the last few weeks, received a number of requests from different groups across the country for the recall of their representatives in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly,” Olumekun said.
“Some of them had even requested the Commission to initiate the processes of the recall on their behalf.”
Olumekun clarified that the recall process is initiated by voters in a constituency, citing 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 stated, “For clarity, the process is initiated by the voters in a constituency. The Commission only implements their request in line with these provisions.”
To facilitate the recall process, INEC has reviewed and updated its regulations and guidelines.
“The 10-page document has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for the guidance of prospective petitioners and for public information,” Olumekun stated.
He appealed to constituents interested in recalling their elected representatives to follow the provisions outlined in the revised regulations and guidelines.
He added, “We appeal to constituents interested in the recall of their elected representatives to be guided by the provisions of the regulations and guidelines in preparing and submitting their petitions to the Commission.”
The revised guidelines can be accessed on INEC’s website and social media platforms. This development underscores INEC’s commitment to ensuring democratic accountability and responsiveness to the needs of Nigerian citizens.
