The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released guidelines for the recall of federal, state assembly, or local government lawmakers by their aggrieved constituents.
The guidelines were made public on Thursday following the commission’s meeting, which took place ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State.
The meeting was convened to review the final preparations for the election.
The Commission 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).
In recent weeks, the commission has received several requests from various groups across the country seeking the recall of their representatives in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
A statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, noted that some constituents have even asked the Commission to initiate the recall process 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,” the statement said.
“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.”
INEC releases guidelines, regulations for recall of lawmakers by aggrieved constituents
