Economic Hardship: INEC Speaks On Petitions To Recall Lawmakers

Against the backdrop of mounting pressure by Nigerians to recall their elected lawmakers at all levels over ineffective representation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the revised Regulations and Guidelines for recall have been considered and approved for implementation.

A statement said the Commission met on Thursday, 19th September 2024 and approved the revised guidelines “for the recall of members of the National and State assemblies and councillors in the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

With the latest development, constituents are now well positioned to demand better representation from their councillors, State Assembly members, House of Representatives members, and Senators amid the growing economic hardship in the country.

INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, who signed the statement, said; “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.”

According to Olumekun, some of the aggrieved groups had even requested that the Commission initiates the recall processes on their behalf.

The statement further said; “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.”

Urging interested groups and individuals to access the documents and be abreast with the recall requirements, the statement said; “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”.