The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that recalling a senator is a complex and expensive process, often requiring more resources than a regular senatorial election.
This was discussed on Saturday during an X Spaces session where INEC officials spoke on “INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024: BVAS and IREV – Facts and Myths.”
Prof. Mohammed Kuna, Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, provided insights into the financial and logistical challenges involved. He noted that a recall process is similar to conducting an election, requiring extensive planning, staff mobilization, transportation, and the deployment of electoral materials and technology.
“A recall process is like conducting three senatorial district elections because we will go back to the field three times. It is more expensive than conducting a senatorial election,” Kuna stated.
Similarly, INEC Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, assured that the commission follows legal procedures whenever a recall process is triggered.
“If constituents express the desire for a recall and fulfill the necessary requirements, we will proceed accordingly,” Oyekanmi said.
He also explained that in cases where a National Assembly seat becomes vacant, INEC organizes a by-election once notified by the presiding officers.
Regarding financial preparedness, Oyekanmi noted that INEC always plans for different electoral scenarios.
“We prepare for all situations, as we are aware of the unpredictability of electoral events,” he said.
Currently, INEC is reviewing a petition submitted by constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The petition was officially received at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, stamped by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The move to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan follows a series of political disputes. She was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” after a disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Prior to her suspension, she had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The petitioners claim to have met the constitutional requirements for recall, stating that over 200,000 registered voters—more than half of the district’s electorate—signed the document.
INEC confirmed that the petitioners also submitted a letter containing contact details of their representatives to the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The next step in the process involves INEC verifying whether the petition has been endorsed by more than 50 percent of registered voters in Kogi Central.
