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[OPINION] Fruitless Recall Process: Safeguarding INEC, Empowering Women In Nigeria’s Electoral Landscape

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2025

By Paul James

The recent conclusion of the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has exposed significant vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s electoral system. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resumed normal operations, the necessity for reforms to protect this vital institution has never been more pressing. As we reflect on this incident, it is imperative to examine the broader issues surrounding the recall process and ensure that our electoral environment supports fair representation, particularly for women.

Recall petitions, while an essential mechanism for holding officials accountable, is susceptible to misuse and abuse. In the case of Senator Natasha, INEC found itself inundated with petitions that did not meet the constitutional threshold, which required signatures from 50% plus one of registered voters. This not only wasted crucial resources but also diverted attention from significant electoral matters. To combat the potential for further misuse of the recall process, we must advocate for legislation that clearly defines the thresholds for valid petitions and punitive measures for filing frivolous petitions. Such measures would serve to deter petitioners from filing frivolous claims that disrupt our democratic processes.

Implementing penalties for petitions that fail to meet these established thresholds would not only protect INEC but also uphold the integrity of our electoral system. A well-defined framework would discourage malicious complaints intended solely to harass elected officials while ensuring that genuine grievances receive due attention.

The Gender Disparity in Politics

Alongside the need for recall reform, we must address a more pressing and persistent issue: the underrepresentation of women in our legislative bodies. The unsuccessful attempt to remove Senator Natasha highlights the systemic barriers that continue to hinder women’s advancement to positions of political power. The male-dominated political landscape often perpetuates manipulation, ensuring that women face insurmountable challenges as they seek to compete for legislative seats.

To address these disparities, we must prioritise support for women throughout the electoral process. This includes ensuring lawful votes and fair campaign conditions, as well as implementing measures that empower and uplift female candidates. Political parties should be encouraged, if not mandated, to create environments where women can thrive as candidates, free from the intimidation tactics that have historically hindered their progress.

Empowering women in politics is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, campaign training, and awareness campaigns can help bridge the gap and inspire more women to participate in governance. By providing resources and support, we can combat the systemic hurdles that discourage women from pursuing public office.

Moreover, as citizens, we must be vigilant in monitoring the electoral process. Support for independent bodies that oversee elections can help maintain fair practices, ensuring that elections are not influenced by manipulation or intimidation.

The path toward a healthier political ecosystem requires proactive reforms to protect INEC alongside bold measures to empower women in the electoral process. By addressing these issues thoughtfully, we can pave the way for a more inclusive democracy that reflects the diverse voices of our society. Let us advocate for legislative changes that not only protect our institutions but also ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping our nation’s future.

In the words of Malala Yousafzai, “We realise the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” It is time to amplify the voices of women in politics and restore the integrity of our electoral systems.

Paul James is an enthusiast of election and political affairs. He is an advocate for inclusive participation. He works with Yiaga Africa.

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

59 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.