INEC Dismisses Petition to Recall Senator Natasha Over Constitutional Deficiencies

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing the petitioners’ failure to meet the constitutional requirements for such a process.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC confirmed that the recall request did not fulfill the necessary legal and procedural conditions as outlined in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act. According to the commission, the petition lacked the required number of valid signatures from registered voters in the senator’s constituency, a key prerequisite for initiating a recall process.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has faced political opposition since her election. However, her supporters have dismissed the recall attempt as a politically motivated effort to undermine her mandate. They argue that she remains a popular and effective representative of her constituency.

Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that the recall of an elected senator is a rigorous process that demands strict adherence to constitutional guidelines. According to Section 69 of the Nigerian Constitution, for a recall to be valid, the petition must be signed by at least half of the registered voters in the affected senatorial district. The signatures must then be verified before INEC can proceed with a referendum.

With the petition failing to meet these conditions, INEC has deemed it invalid and will not proceed with any further action. The development is expected to put an end to speculations surrounding the senator’s recall while reaffirming the commission’s commitment to upholding due process in electoral matters.

Despite the failed recall attempt, political tensions remain high in Kogi Central, with analysts predicting further political maneuvering as the 2027 general elections approach.