Recall Elections Cost 3x More Than Regular Polls – INEC Reveals

 By: Manoah kikekon 

INEC discloses that recall elections are far more expensive than constituency polls, involving complex verification and voting processes. Learn why!

INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that conducting a recall election is significantly more expensive than a standard constituency election—comparable to organizing three separate polls.  

The disclosure was made during an online discussion on X (formerly Twitter) titled “INEC Regulation and Guidelines for Recall 2024,” which also covered BVAS and IREV functionalities.  

Mohammed Kunna, Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, explained that a recall election involves three major stages:  

1. Signature Verification– INEC must confirm that petitioners are registered voters using the BVAS.  

2. 50%+1 Threshold Check– The commission must validate that at least half of the constituency’s voters support the recall.  

3. Referendum Vote– A final "Yes or No" vote is conducted, requiring full electoral logistics.  

“Mobilizing staff, materials, and technology for all these steps makes recall elections much costlier than a single senatorial election,” Kunna stated.  

Rotimi Oyekanmi, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, acknowledged the financial burden but stressed that the commission must comply with legal requirements.  

“The law is clear—if constituents meet the constitutional conditions, INEC must proceed with the recall process,” he said.  

 

- Only possible if 50%+ of registered voters in a constituency sign the petition.  

- Lawmakers under recall can send agents to observe verification.  

- No online voting—Nigeria’s constitution does not permit e-voting yet.  

This revelation highlights the complexity and cost of Nigeria’s recall process, raising questions about its feasibility.  

(NAN)