ASABA/Nigeria: The move to recall Hon. Ngozi Okolie, the embattled lawmaker representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has gained momentum as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially received a Notice of Recall from his constituency.
More than 65.2% of registered voters in the constituency—exceeding the constitutionally required 50%—are said to have endorsed the recall, signaling a major political test for Okolie.
In a formal petition addressed to the INEC Chairman and dated February 5, 2025, the Concerned Citizens of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, led by Dr. Tony Curtis (Chairman) and Austin Madu (Secretary), affirmed that the recall effort reflects the decision of the majority of voters in the constituency. The petition, which was received and stamped at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, cites Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, as the legal basis for the recall process.
Okolie faces recall over alleged underperformance, lack of capacity, disconnection from his constituents, failure to attract meaningful development, and alleged personal enrichment. The petition, which was sighted at INEC headquarters, stated that Okolie’s tenure has been marked by “consistent underperformance, lack of effective leadership, and disregard for the people he was elected to serve,” leading to a breakdown in confidence in his representation.
The petition further outlined that over 65.2% of registered voters have signed in favor of the recall, with plans underway to submit the verified signatures within two weeks. Under the law, once INEC verifies the signatures, a referendum must be conducted within 90 days.
A source at INEC headquarters confirmed the receipt of the petition, adding that the commission would proceed with the recall process in strict compliance with constitutional and electoral provisions.
