The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled updated guidelines for the recall of elected officials at both the state and federal levels, addressing increasing calls from the electorate to hold their representatives accountable. This move follows rising public dissatisfaction, with constituents across various states calling for the removal of their legislators in both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
Announced by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the revised regulations aim to streamline the recall process, ensuring that constituents have a clear path to initiate such actions. The commission’s announcement was made on Thursday, during a meeting in which INEC also finalized preparations for the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.
Olumekun highlighted that the recall process remains voter-driven, stating, “For clarity, the process is initiated by the voters in a constituency. The commission only implements their request in line with constitutional provisions.” He stressed that INEC is merely a facilitator in this process, operating in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, emphasizing the commission’s neutral stance.
The updated guidelines, which span 10 pages, provide a step-by-step breakdown of the recall process, requiring constituents to submit a formal petition to the INEC Chairman. The guidelines have been made accessible via INEC’s official website and social media platforms, ensuring transparency and accessibility to all voters interested in pursuing recalls.
This move is seen as a response to growing democratic demands from the public, providing a structured legal framework for accountability in governance.
