INEC unveils new guidelines for recall of lawmakers

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released new guidelines and regulations for the recall of lawmakers at both state and federal levels.

This announcement was made on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.

During the meeting, INEC reviewed preparations for the upcoming Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, and also approved the revised regulations for the recall process.

The decision came in response to numerous requests from constituents seeking to initiate recalls of their representatives in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

Some groups even urged the commission to begin the recall process on their behalf.

“The commission met today, Thursday, September 19, 2024. In addition to reviewing the final preparations for the Edo State governorship election holding on Saturday September 21, 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.

“The commission has, in the last few weeks, received several 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,” he noted.

Olumekun emphasised that the recall process is initiated by the voters themselves.

“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,” he clarified.

The new guidelines, detailed in a 10-page document, require constituents wishing to recall their lawmakers to submit a petition to the INEC Chairman.

The guidelines have been made available on INEC’s official website and social media platforms, encouraging constituents to familiarise themselves with the process.