The Independent National Electoral Commission has outlined the complexities and costs involved in the recall process, likening it to organizing an election.
INEC via X Spaces on Saturday discussed Regulations and Guidelines for recall as well as the facts and myths of BVAS and IREV
The Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mohammed Kuna, explained that a recall election involved significant resources, including staff mobilization, technology, and recall material deployments, and transportation.
He noted that the process is more expensive than a senatorial election, requiring efforts equivalent to conducting three such elections.
In his remark,the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to following legal guidelines in the event of a recall.
He added that if a seat in the National Assembly becomes vacant and INEC was informed by the Presiding Officers, a by-election would be conducted.
Regarding the financial aspects, Oyekanmi assured that INEC had provisions in place for all potential scenarios.
INEC recently received a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The petition, presented on behalf of the constituents by Charity Ijese, was received and stamped by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, on Monday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The recall petition followed a series of contentious events involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on the 6th of March for alleged “gross misconduct” after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
News Edited by Oni Kayode Philips