INEC releases New Schedule for Dino Melaye’s Recall

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will conduct the verification exercise for the recall of Senator Dino Melaye on October 14.

The commission disclosed this in its amended timetable and schedule of activities issued by its Secretary, Augusta Ogakwu, in Abuja on Monday.

Ogakwu said the verification exercise will take place in all polling units in Kogi West, while INEC notification for the exercise would be released on October 3.

She said that INEC has fixed October 5 as the last day for the submission of applications by observers, and October 9 for the publication of the list of accredited observers for the exercise.

The secretary said that the commission will hold its stakeholders’ meeting at the Senatorial District headquarters and Local Government headquarters on October 10.

The last day for the submission of names of polling agents for the verification by the member sought to be recalled and the representatives of the petitioners has also been scheduled for October 12.

The commission said that it has provided Melaye with relevant materials to study.

“In fixing the timetable for the verification, sufficient time has been provided for the senator to study the petition and accompanying materials to effectively prepare for the verification in accordance with the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja,” she said.

The court had on August 11 ordered the commission to continue with the suspended recall process.

The commission had on July 3, issued the timetable and schedule of activities for the recall of the senator but was forced to suspend the process on July 13, by a court order.

The court had directed all parties listed in the suit by Melaye to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the motion on notice.

Melaye had applied for an order restraining INEC from acting on the petition by registered voters of Kogi West Senatorial District for his recall.