The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has failed to meet the requirements stipulated in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
short press release
In a post on its official X page, the electoral body stated:
The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). Detailed statement shortly.
This development comes after INEC initially confirmed receiving the petition despite widespread allegations that the recall process was fraudulent and politically motivated.
On Tuesday, the commission acknowledged receiving the petition but pointed out that it lacked critical details, including the petitioners’ contact addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
However, by Wednesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that these missing details had been submitted.
The recall petition against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked controversy, with supporters claiming it is a politically motivated attempt to undermine her tenure.
The recall process comes amid political tension surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Recently, the Nigerian Senate suspended her for six months following a report by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. The decision was made during a plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused of sexual harassment and political victimisation
