March 16, (THEWILL) — Registered voters in Abak State Constituency of Akwa Ibom State have submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking the recall of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Udeme James Otong, over allegations of underperformance, breach of trust, and remarks they claim undermine democratic principles.
The constituents addressed the petition to the Chairman of INEC and routed it through the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Uyo, invoking provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other relevant electoral laws to demand the removal of the lawmaker representing Abak State Constituency.
Sighted by THEWILL on Monday, the petition dated February 16, 2026, was received at the INEC office on February 20, 2026, as indicated by the acknowledgement stamp on the submission.
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 said they were exercising their constitutional rights as registered voters to demand accountability from their elected representative.
They alleged that the recall move was largely prompted by what they described as persistent underperformance and the Speaker’s alleged failure to effectively represent the interests, welfare, and development aspirations of the people of Abak State Constituency.
The petitioners claimed that since assuming office in June 2019, Otong had not demonstrated the level of legislative commitment, visibility, and constituency engagement expected of a representative entrusted with the mandate of the people.
They also raised concerns over certain public statements allegedly attributed to the Speaker, which they described as embarrassing and inconsistent with democratic principles.
Among the claims cited in the petition were remarks reportedly made by Otong suggesting 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 shared among other members.
The constituents further alleged that the Speaker had stated that the 2027 general elections would be concluded before noon on election day, a comment they argued could undermine the credibility and independence of INEC, the body responsible for conducting elections in the country.
They also accused him of claiming that he single-handedly negotiated the 26 Assembly tickets with the state governor, an assertion they said could create the impression that candidates for the 2027 elections had already been predetermined ahead of party processes and electoral guidelines.
According to the petitioners, such pronouncements were unbecoming of the Speaker, who as the chief lawmaker of the state is expected to uphold democratic principles, 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 constituents said they had therefore lost confidence in Otong’s ability to represent them faithfully and urged INEC to commence the constitutional procedures required for his recall and declare the Abak State Constituency seat vacant if the process is successful.
They also called on the electoral body to clarify the propriety of the statements allegedly credited to the Speaker regarding the conduct and timing of the 2027 general elections.
Under Nigerian law, the recall of an elected lawmaker requires the verification of signatures of registered voters in the affected constituency by INEC, followed by a referendum to determine whether the lawmaker should remain in office or be removed.
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