“Recall Process More Demanding Than Senatorial Election” – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has outlined the extensive complexities and financial implications involved in recalling an elected official, emphasizing that the process is comparable to conducting a full election.

During an interactive session on X Spaces on Saturday, themed “INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024: BVAS and IREV – Facts and Myths,” the commission elaborated on the logistical demands of a recall election.

Prof. Mohammed Kuna, Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, explained that a recall process requires significant resources, including the mobilization of personnel, deployment of technology, and provision of materials and transportation.

“A recall process is like conducting an election itself. It involves mobilization of staff, deployment of recall materials, technology, transportation, and other essential logistics,” Kuna stated.

“In fact, it is more demanding than a senatorial election, as it requires the equivalent effort of conducting three such elections.”

The commission also confirmed that if a recall petition meets legal requirements, INEC is duty-bound to proceed with the process. The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to adhering strictly to constitutional guidelines.

“If constituents express the desire for a recall and fulfill the necessary legal requirements, we will proceed accordingly,” Oyekanmi assured.

INEC has recently received a petition demanding the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The petition, submitted by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents, was acknowledged by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, on Monday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The recall petition follows a series of controversies surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

According to the petitioners, over 200,000 registered voters—more than half of the electorate in Kogi Central—signed the recall petition, reportedly meeting the constitutional threshold for initiating the process.

INEC confirmed receiving a letter on Wednesday containing the contact details of the petitioners’ representatives, submitted to the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The next phase of the process, according to INEC, involves verifying whether the petition has indeed been endorsed by more than 50% of the registered voters in Kogi Central. If validated, INEC will proceed with the subsequent legal steps required for the recall process.

Despite the enormous cost and complexity involved, INEC assured that it has contingency provisions for all potential electoral scenarios, including recall elections.

“We prepare for all situations, as we are aware of the unpredictability of electoral events,” Oyekanmi added.

The unfolding situation surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall is expected to set a significant precedent for future recall efforts in Nigeria.