The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing technical deficiencies that do not meet the required standards for processing.
In a statement issued by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, the commission acknowledged receiving six bags of documents containing signatures from over half of the 474,554 registered voters across 902 polling units in the five local government areas of Kogi Central: Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene.
According to INEC, the petition did not meet the submission requirements stipulated in Clause 1(f) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024. Specifically, the petitioners failed to provide:
- A clear and definite contact address (instead, they only listed “Okene, Kogi State”).
- Telephone numbers and email addresses of all representatives (only the lead petitioner’s phone number was included).
These missing details are essential for verifying the petition and contacting the petitioners for further proceedings.
Next Steps in the Recall Process
INEC has stated that once the petition meets all submission requirements, it will proceed with the verification process. This involves:
- Using BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) to verify each voter’s signature in their respective polling units.
- Conducting the process in an open and transparent manner, with petitioners, the affected senator, observers, and the media present.
In the meantime, INEC is working to notify the petitioners of the missing details through alternative means.
The move to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan follows her recent six-month suspension from the Senate after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual assault and abuse of office. The petition appears to be a continuation of the political battle surrounding her tenure.
INEC reassured Nigerians that the recall process will strictly follow legal guidelines, dismissing any speculation or misinformation circulating on social media.
As the political tension in Kogi Central escalates, the fate of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat remains uncertain, depending on whether her opponents can meet INEC’s recall petition requirements.
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