INEC Flags Missing Contact Details in Kogi Central Senator Recall Petition

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over missing contact details in the petition seeking to recall the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. According to INEC, the petitioners failed to include their contact address, phone numbers, and email addresses in the covering letter submitted to the commission.

INEC emphasized that providing contact details is a requirement under Clause 1(f) of its Regulations and Guidelines. The only address given in the petition was “Okene, Kogi State,” which the commission deemed too vague for effective communication. Additionally, only the lead petitioner’s phone number was provided, instead of contact details for all the petitioners’ representatives.

Speaking after INEC’s weekly meeting in Abuja, the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, reaffirmed that the recall process follows constitutional and legal provisions.

He stated:

“The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, which are available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.”

Olumekun disclosed that the petition from Kogi Central was submitted with six bags of documents, reportedly containing signatures from over half of the 474,554 registered voters in the senatorial district. These signatures were collected from 902 polling units across 57 wards in the five local government areas: Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene.

However, he reiterated that the absence of complete contact details is a procedural issue that must be addressed before the petition can move forward.

Olumekun explained that, if the petition is deemed valid, INEC will proceed with the signature verification process. The verification exercise will be conducted at polling units using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and will be limited to registered voters who signed the petition.

Both the petitioners and the senator facing recall will be allowed to appoint agents to observe the process. Additionally, accredited observers and media representatives will be permitted to monitor proceedings.

“If the petitioners fully comply with Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines, INEC will announce the next steps in line with existing laws and procedures,” he added.

In light of speculations surrounding the recall process, INEC assured the public that it remains committed to upholding the rule of law. The commission also noted that efforts are being made to reach the petitioners through alternative means to rectify the missing contact information.

Olumekun urged the public to disregard any misinformation circulating on social media and assured that INEC would remain transparent in handling the petition.