Key Points

• INEC says a recall election costs more than a regular election.

• The recall process for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan involves verifying signatures and conducting a referendum.

• No recall election of a lawmaker has been successful in Nigeria’s history.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that conducting a recall election is more expensive than holding a regular constituency election.

The commission’s statement raises concerns about the financial burden of the ongoing recall process for Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, regardless of whether the recall is successful.

In an online discussion on the “INEC Regulation and Guidelines for Recall 2024,” INEC’s Special Adviser, Mohammed Kunna, explained that the recall process is similar to organizing three constituency elections.

Kunna clarified that once a petition is submitted and meets legal requirements, INEC must verify the signatures and conduct a referendum for a yes or no vote by the constituency’s registered voters.

Steps involved in the recall process

Kunna outlined the stages involved in the recall, which include verifying the petition signatories through the Bi-Modal Voter Verification System (BVAS).

Following this, INEC needs to gather signatures from 50 percent plus one of the constituency’s registered voters.

The final stage involves conducting a referendum where voters decide whether the lawmaker should be recalled.

“To carry out this process, we must mobilize staff, deploy materials, and manage transportation—just like running a senatorial district election,” Kunna said, highlighting that a recall election costs more than a single senatorial election.

Challenges in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall process

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed the high costs of the recall process but emphasized the commission’s duty to follow the law.

Oyekanmi also addressed concerns about the petition, which claims that over 200,000 signatures have been gathered in support of the recall.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has questioned the legitimacy of many signatures, arguing that she has substantial support in her constituency.

Despite legal challenges and ongoing political disputes, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall process continues, with INEC committed to verifying the signatures and conducting the necessary referendum.