The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, for the second time, rejected a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The electoral body stated that the petition failed to meet the constitutional and procedural requirements necessary for a recall process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, explained that the petitioners did not provide essential contact details, including their addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses, in the covering letter. The only address provided “Okene, Kogi State” was deemed too vague for proper communication.
“The commission’s immediate observation was that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide sufficient contact details as required by Clause 1(f) of our regulations and guidelines. Without these, it is impossible to proceed with the recall process,” Olumekun stated.
The recall effort followed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6 over allegations of “gross misconduct” linked to a dispute over seating arrangements. Since then, opposition against her within the senatorial district has grown, with some constituents pushing for her removal.
However, under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution, a senator can only be recalled if a petition signed by more than half of the registered voters in the constituency is submitted to INEC, indicating a loss of confidence in the lawmaker. INEC’s rejection of the petition over procedural errors signals a major setback for those seeking to unseat the senator.
INEC has assured the public that it remained committed to upholding democratic processes and will notify the petitioners of the reasons for the rejection. The commission also reiterated that a recall is entirely the prerogative of registered voters and must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions.
With this latest setback, the fate of the recall effort now lies in the hands of the petitioners. Whether they will rectify the identified flaws and refile the petition or abandon the move altogether remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp sees this as yet another victory against her political opponents, as she continues to battle for her place in the Senate.
