INEC Approves Revised Guidelines To Recall Nigerian Lawmakers
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has approved the revised regulations and guidelines for recalling federal and state lawmakers and councillors of Abuja’s area councils.
The commission announced the approval in a statement published on X by its spokesperson, Sam Olumekun.
INEC said it has “received a number of requests from different groups across the country for the recall of their representatives in the National Assembly…”
The commission explained that the recall process is “initiated by the voters in a constituency” and that it has produced a “10-page document” for the guidance of prospective petitioners.
Against a widely held belief that it lies with INEC to initiate such recalls, the commission said the process is initiated by the voters in a constituency.
The statement noted that the commission only implements such 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.
The statement read, “The commission met today, Thursday 19th September 2024. In addition to reviewing the final preparations for the Edo State Governorship election holding on Saturday 21st September 2024, the commission 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 (FCT).
“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. Some of them have even requested the commission to initiate the process of the recall on their behalf.
“For clarity, the process is initiated by the voters in a constituency. 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.
“Accordingly, the Commission has reviewed the regulations and guidelines, providing a detailed procedure for recall. The 10-page document has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for the guidance of prospective petitioners and for public information.
“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”.
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