The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, citing failure to meet constitutional requirements.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the electoral body clarified that the petition did not satisfy the conditions outlined in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing 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),” INEC announced via its official X handle.
INEC further explained that for a recall petition to be valid, it must be supported by more than half of the registered voters in the senator’s constituency. With Kogi Central having a total of 474,554 registered voters, at least 237,278 verified signatures were required. However, upon review, only 208,132 signatures/thumbprints were authenticated.
The rejection follows an earlier dismissal of the recall petition due to missing contact details. Though the petitioners later provided the necessary information, Thursday’s statement from INEC reaffirmed that the submission still did not meet the legal threshold.
“Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the Senator,” said Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee.
The recall attempt stemmed from Senator Natasha’s suspension by the Senate for allegedly breaching legislative rules. Some constituents initiated the recall process, arguing that her absence deprived them of representation. The senator has been at the center of political controversy, particularly after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim he has denied. Her subsequent suspension from the Senate fueled speculations of political vendetta.
Despite the legal hurdles, Senator Natasha remains resilient. On Tuesday, she received a heroic welcome from her constituents in Okehi Local Government Area, defying a ban on public gatherings imposed by the Kogi State Government. Addressing her supporters, she declared, “Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land.”
With the recall petition officially rejected, the focus now shifts to whether her suspension will be lifted, allowing her to resume her legislative duties. The controversy raises broader questions about democratic accountability and the role of political power in shaping representation.
