The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, citing non-compliance with constitutional requirements.
A source revealed that the petition failed to meet the conditions outlined in Section 69(a) of the Constitution, and the initiators did not handle the process with due diligence. The source added that despite any external pressures, the petitioners’ inability to present a convincing case made it easy for INEC to base its decision on constitutional provisions.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attributed the failure of the recall attempt to its lack of credibility. PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan enjoys strong support from her constituents and has been effectively representing them. He also called for her suspension from the Senate to be lifted, arguing that the process was politically motivated.
However, the petitioners, through spokesperson Salihu Habib, maintained their stance, vowing to continue pursuing legal means to ensure Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall. They expressed confidence in INEC’s transparency and insisted that their demand was based on alleged misconduct and divisiveness by the senator.
INEC, in a statement by National Commissioner Sam Olumekun, explained that the recall petition gathered 208,132 valid signatures, which amounted to 43.86% of registered voters in Kogi Central. This fell short of the required 237,278 signatures (more than half of the 474,554 registered voters), making further action on the recall impossible.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and transparency, publishing the verification details online. Meanwhile, the Community Rights Education Advancement Pathway Initiative (CREAP) welcomed INEC’s decision, stating that it reinforced democratic principles and electoral integrity in Nigeria.
