The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing non-compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines.
In a statement on Tuesday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the petition failed to meet the requirements outlined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall.
The decision was reached during the commission’s regular weekly meeting, where it was observed that the petition lacked essential details, including the addresses of registered voters who signed the document.
“The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents purportedly containing signatures of over half of the 474,554 registered voters across 902 polling units in 57 registration areas within five local government areas—Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene,” Olumekun stated.
However, INEC noted that the petitioners failed to provide a definite contact address, telephone numbers, and email addresses of all representatives, as required by Clause 1(f) of its regulations. The address given was simply “Okene, Kogi State,” which was deemed insufficient.
Despite rejecting the petition, INEC reaffirmed that the recall process is the constitutional right of registered voters in a constituency. Once a properly submitted petition meets all requirements, the Commission will begin verification using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in an open process observed by petitioners’ agents, the affected lawmaker’s representatives, accredited observers, and the media.
“If the petitioners fully comply with the submission requirements, INEC will announce the next steps in accordance with existing laws and guidelines,” the statement added.
The petition, submitted on Monday by a group identified as Concerned Kogi Youth and Women and led by Salihu Habib, alleged misconduct, abuse of office, and disregard for due process by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The petitioners claimed to have gathered signatures from more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central and demanded the senator’s removal.
INEC assured the public that it would follow due process and urged citizens to disregard social media speculations regarding the matter.
