Court Dismisses Malaye’s Suit, Orders INEC To Continue Recall Process

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of an Abuja Federal High Court on Monday dismissed the suit by Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, challenging his recall process, instituted by his constituents.

The judge ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, “shall proceed with the recall process.”

The Kogi West Senator had approached the court seeking an order nullifying the recall process.

Against this backdrop, the court had ordered INEC to halt the recall exercise, pending the determination of Melaye’s application.

However, Justice Dimgba said contrary to Melaye’s argument that he was not granted a fair hearing, the constitution does not require a special provision that mandates INEC to grant the senator an opportunity of fair hearing.

Consequently, the judge ordered the Nation’s electoral body to serve Melaye with the recall petition, schedule of signatures attached to the petitions and a full list of persons in support of the recall process.

The judge said his order must be carried out within two weeks before an amended time-table for the recall would be made.