The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially acknowledged the receipt of a petition seeking the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The petition, which claims to have the support of a significant portion of the electorate, has set the stage for a potential political showdown, following the legal processes outlined in Nigeria’s constitution and electoral laws.
The announcement came after INEC’s weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, where the electoral body provided details about the petition and the steps to follow in the recall process.
INEC confirmed that it had received the petition, which is reportedly signed by more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central. The petitioners, hailing from various local government areas in the district, submitted their request alongside six bags filled with documents supporting their cause.
The areas covered in the petition include Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene Local Government Areas. According to INEC, the petition is in line with the requirements set forth by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the Electoral Act of 2022, and the Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024. These legal frameworks define the process and conditions under which elected representatives can be recalled by their constituents.
A recall process is a rare and serious measure that allows voters in a constituency to remove an elected official from office before the completion of their term. This can happen if the elected official fails to perform to the satisfaction of the electorate, or for other reasons deemed fit by the voters.
While INEC confirmed the receipt of the petition, the electoral body noted a significant issue: the petitioners did not provide a clear contact address, email, or telephone numbers for all their representatives. The only contact information included was for a single lead petitioner. This lack of contact details raises concerns about the authenticity and completeness of the petition.
In response, INEC emphasized that it is essential for the petition to meet all legal and procedural requirements before proceeding with the recall process. The electoral body noted that it is making efforts to contact the petitioners to rectify the missing information. INEC also stated that the absence of complete details does not automatically invalidate the petition, but it is crucial for the process to be properly completed before moving forward.
INEC made it clear that a recall petition must adhere to all the legal steps outlined in the Electoral Act and the Constitution. According to the electoral guidelines, once the petition is deemed to have met all necessary criteria, a verification process will take place at the polling units. During this stage, the signatories to the petition will be authenticated using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), a system designed to ensure the integrity and security of the voting process.
Both the petitioners and the senator in question will be allowed to nominate agents to observe the verification process. Accredited media personnel and independent observers will also be present to ensure transparency and fairness. The involvement of external observers is meant to foster trust in the process and ensure that all actions are conducted according to the law.
Once the verification process is complete and if the signatures are found to be valid, INEC will proceed with the next steps, which may include the scheduling of a recall election, depending on the outcome of the verification.
The senator representing Kogi Central, whose recall is being sought, has not yet publicly responded to the petition. However, recall petitions often spark intense political debate and mobilization, with supporters of the elected official and petitioners each presenting their case to the public. It remains to be seen whether the senator will challenge the petition or if any political maneuvering will take place behind the scenes.
The political climate in Kogi State has been tense, especially after the 2023 general elections, and the recall petition could further intensify the rivalry between political factions in the region. If the petition progresses to a recall election, it would be a significant event for both the senator and the voters of Kogi Central, as it would offer a rare opportunity for constituents to directly express their dissatisfaction with an elected official.
For the senator, the recall petition represents a potential threat to their political career. If the petition succeeds and the recall process is finalized, the senator could be removed from office and replaced by another representative chosen through a new election. This would be a major political blow, especially if the senator is unable to convince voters to withdraw their support for the petition.
INEC has reiterated its commitment to following all legal guidelines as it handles the recall petition. The commission has urged the public to disregard any social media speculations or rumors regarding the process, emphasizing that it will not make decisions based on external pressure but will strictly adhere to the provisions of the law.
As the process moves forward, INEC is expected to maintain transparency and uphold its duty to ensure that the will of the voters is respected. The commission’s actions will be closely scrutinized, especially given the high-profile nature of the petition. Nigerians, particularly those in Kogi Central, will be watching to see how INEC handles the situation and whether the recall process will lead to a political shake-up in the region.
The announcement of the recall petition has already generated significant public interest, and the political consequences of the process could be far-reaching. If the petition succeeds, it may signal a shift in the political dynamics of Kogi State and offer a glimpse into the broader state of Nigerian democracy. It would also serve as a reminder of the power of voters to hold elected officials accountable.
For the senator in question, the recall process will test their political support in the region. It remains to be seen whether the senator can regain the confidence of the electorate or whether the petitioners will successfully mobilize the necessary support to push the recall through.
Regardless of the outcome, the recall petition represents an important moment in Nigerian politics. It highlights the mechanisms available to citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable and the role of INEC in ensuring that such processes are carried out fairly and in accordance with the law.
