INEC releases guidelines for recall of lawmakers, asks constituents to initiate process

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has received many requests from groups seeking the recall of their representatives in the national assembly and state legislative chambers.

In a statement on Thursday, Sam Olumekun, the INEC commissioner, said the commission met 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”