Registered voters from the Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency in Enugu State have initiated the proceedings to recall their representative in the House of Representatives, Hon. Martins Oke through petition to Inec.This move reflects a significant dissatisfaction among constituents regarding their lawmaker’s performance.
This development must have been triggered by the momentum of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan recall process
kindly recall that embattled, suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan travails exacerbated when groups in her constituency started her recall process by notifying INEC with a petition and gathering signatures of eligible voters in her constituency in line with the provisions of the law.
The petition, dated March 27, 2025, was formally addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Within this document, the petitioners, led by Mr. Ugwuagbo Emmanuel Chizoba and supported by Mr. Clinton Ogbonna, Mr. Sabinus Amah, and Mr. Stephen Okenwa, articulated their grievances, primarily focusing on what they perceive as the lawmaker’s failure to deliver on his mandate.
“This is his 3rd term in the Federal House of Representatives. There’s no popular bill or motion to his name. There are no visible constituency projects to his name, and we don’t see or hear him during the NASS sittings. He contributes NOTHING to local, State or national discourse. He isn’t representing us at all,” they expressed collectively, underscoring a sense of disenfranchisement felt by many voters.
Adding to their concerns, the petitioners alleged that Martins Oke was not genuinely elected by the constituents, indicating he was “imposed on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the wishes of the party.” They further claimed that Oke “lost the general election by a wide margin,” but the Appeal Court ruled in his favor based on legal technicalities. “We want to take back our mandate that he snatched through the courts,” they asserted, suggesting a broader issue of electoral integrity that could resonate with voters across different regions.
Additionally, they criticized Oke for his lack of engagement with the community, stating he “does not have a constituency office and is hardly seen in his constituency.” They lamented that he has never convened a town hall meeting, leaving the representative feeling distant and disconnected from the very people he is meant to serve.
“We don’t see him at home, we don’t see him on TV and we still don’t see him on the seat during NASS Sessions,” they lamented, conveying their frustration over a perceived absence that extends beyond mere physical presence to a lack of commitment to resolving pressing local issues.
“The lawmaker has shown a lack of commitment to the welfare of his constituents, failing to address pressing issues affecting the people of Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency,” the constituents reiterated in their communication, reflecting not just individual discontent but a collective call for accountability from elected officials.
Importantly, the letter claimed that the petition had been duly signed by at least 50% of registered voters in the constituency, highlighting a significant mandate for change. This grassroots mobilization showcases the power of constituents taking action to hold their representatives accountable, a phenomenon that could influence political dynamics in Enugu State and Nigeria
The recall process for a state senator, like Senator Natasha in your example, generally involves several key steps, although the specifics can vary depending on the state laws governing the recall process. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved:
- “A member of the Senate or of the House Representatives may be recalled as such a member if –
(a) there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member’s constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member and which signatures are duly verified by the Independent National Electoral Commission; and
(b) the petition is thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member’s constituency.” Section 69 subsections (a) (b) Nigeria 1999 Constitution as amended.
- Petition Initiation: A recall effort usually begins with a petition drive. A group of voters must gather a specified number of signatures from registered voters in the senator’s district. The required number of signatures and the time frame for collecting them vary by state.
- Petition Approval: In many states, the recall petition must be approved by the state election office or a designated authority before signatures can be gathered. This often includes a review of the language used in the petition to ensure it meets legal standards.
- Signature Collection: Once the petition is approved, organizers have a set period (often several weeks to a few months) to collect the necessary signatures. This may involve canvassing, organizing events, and reaching out to voters.
- Verification of Signatures: After the signatures are collected, they are submitted to the appropriate election authority for verification. This process checks that the signatures are valid and that the signers are registered voters in the appropriate district.
- Recall Election: If the petition meets the requirements (i.e., enough valid signatures), a recall election is scheduled. In this election, voters decide whether to remove the senator from office. Depending on the state’s rules, the ballot may also include candidates to replace the senator if they are recalled.
- Outcome: If a majority of voters choose to recall the senator, they are removed from office. If the recall fails, the senator remains in office.
It’s important to note that the specifics of the recall process, including the number of signatures required, the timeline, and the rules governing the election is seen as a herculean task and a recall has never been achieved in Nigeria