Dino Melaye: INEC speaks on recall move by Kogi West constituents

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is not aware of any moves to recall Senator Dino Malaye, representing Kogi West Senatorial District.

INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

He explained that to recall an elected lawmaker, a petition must be signed by at least 50 per cent of the registered voters in that senatorial district and submitted to the commission.

“It is only when the petitioners get 50 per cent of the registered voters that they can submit a recall petition to the commission.

“That is when INEC can commence the recall process, but we have not received such petition.’’

Osaze-Uzzi said that upon the receipt of such petition, the commission would also embark on a verification, to ascertain whether the recall petition was actually signed by registered voters in that senatorial district.

The official explained that in conducting the verification of the signatures, the commission would also need to inform the senator involved and the petitioner, to set a date for agents from both sides to be involved in the exercise.

“It is only when we are satisfied with that, we now go for a referendum. That is what the constitution states.

“For now, we don’t know if anybody is trying to recall him until a petition is submitted to the commission.’’

The director further said that the commission would notify the public if anybody or group was able to mobilise the required number of signatures and send a petition to the commission.

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