INEC Rejects Recall Petition Against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Cites Constitutional Deficiencies
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, declaring that it fails to meet constitutional requirements.
Petition Falls Short of Legal Threshold
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, INEC clarified that the petition, submitted by a group called Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, did not comply with Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which governs the recall process of a senator.
The group had claimed that more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central had endorsed the petition, citing a “loss of confidence” in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s representation. However, INEC’s review found that the petition did not fulfill the necessary legal conditions to trigger a recall process.
INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Due Process
The electoral body emphasized its dedication to following the rule of law in all recall procedures and urged the public to disregard “speculations and misinformation” circulating on social media regarding the matter.
“INEC remains committed to upholding constitutional provisions in all electoral processes,” the commission stated.
Political Context
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been a vocal figure in the Senate, particularly on issues affecting her constituency. The recall petition was widely perceived as a politically motivated move, given the contentious nature of Kogi State politics.
What’s Next?
With INEC’s rejection of the petition, the recall effort has been effectively halted unless the petitioners rectify the identified deficiencies and resubmit their request in compliance with constitutional provisions.
