By Divine Sam
Registered voters from Abak State Constituency have formally begun moves to recall the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme James Otong, citing alleged underperformance, breach of trust, and statements they claim undermine democratic principles.
In a petition addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and submitted through the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Uyo, the constituents invoked provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other relevant electoral laws to initiate the recall process.
The petition, dated February 16, 2026, was acknowledged at the INEC office on February 20, 2026, according to the official stamp on the document.
Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Rt. Hon. Udeme James Otong, Member Representing Abak State Constituency and Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Constitutional Grounds, Disregard for Democratic Tenets, Underperformance and Breach of Trust,” the petitioners stated that they were exercising their constitutional right as registered voters to demand accountability from their elected representative.
According to the petitioners, the move to recall the Speaker was primarily driven by what they described as persistent underperformance and his failure to adequately represent the interests, welfare, and development aspirations of the people of Abak State Constituency.
They alleged that since assuming office in June 2019, Otong has not shown the level of legislative commitment, constituency engagement, and public visibility expected of a lawmaker entrusted with the mandate of the people.
The petition also raised concerns about certain public statements reportedly made by the Speaker, which the constituents described as embarrassing and contrary to democratic norms.
Among the allegations were remarks attributed to Otong claiming that he had “26 House of Assembly tickets in his pocket” ahead of party nominations and primaries, and that he would determine how the tickets would be distributed among aspirants.
The petitioners further alleged that the Speaker had suggested that the 2027 general elections would be concluded before noon on election day, a statement they argued could undermine public confidence in the independence and credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the body responsible for conducting elections in Nigeria.
They also claimed that Otong had indicated he personally negotiated the allocation of the 26 Assembly tickets with the state governor, an assertion they believe may give the impression that candidates for the 2027 elections have already been predetermined ahead of party processes and INEC guidelines.
According to the constituents, such pronouncements are unbecoming of the Speaker, who as the head of the state legislature is expected to uphold democratic values, due process, and the rule of law.
“Representation is founded on trust and accountability, and where that trust has been fundamentally breached, constitutional remedies must be pursued,” the petition stated.
The petitioners therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to commence the constitutional procedures required to verify the petition and begin the recall process against Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong.
They also urged the electoral body to clarify the propriety of the statements allegedly made by the Speaker regarding the conduct and timing of the 2027 general elections.
Under Nigerian law, the recall of a lawmaker requires the verification of signatures of registered voters within the affected constituency by INEC. If the signatures meet the constitutional threshold, a referendum will be conducted to determine whether the lawmaker should remain in office or be removed, after which the seat may be declared vacant if the recall succeeds.
Leave a Reply