The electoral body has rolled out regulations on how constituents can recall their representatives in the National and State Houses of Assembly
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved new regulations and guidelines for the recall of lawmakers from the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and councillors in the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This decision was announced following the commission’s meeting on Thursday, 19th September 2024, during which INEC also reviewed the final preparations for the Edo State Governorship election set for Saturday, 21st September 2024.
According to the statement issued by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the revised guidelines come in response to multiple requests from various groups across the country seeking to recall their representatives in the National and State Assemblies.
“The commission met today, Thursday, September 19, 2024. In addition to reviewing the final preparations for the Edo State governorship election holding on Saturday September 21, 2024, the commission also 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.
“The commission has, in the last few weeks, received several requests from different groups across the country for the recall of their representatives in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. Some of them have even requested the Commission to initiate the process of the recall on their behalf,” he noted
However, INEC emphasized that the recall process must be initiated by voters in the constituency, not by the Commission itself.
The commission highlighted that it only implements recall requests in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act of 2022. Specifically, Sections 69, 110, and 160 of the Constitution, along with Sections 2(c) and 113 of the Electoral Act, outline the legal framework for recalls.
For clarity and transparency, INEC has uploaded the 10-page document detailing the recall process on its website and social media platforms.
The Commission urged constituents interested in recalling their elected representatives to follow the newly released regulations and guidelines when submitting their petitions.
Download the regulation and guidelines for recall of the a member of the National Assembly, State House Assembly or area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) here
