The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified errors in the petition seeking to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central.
INEC received the petition on March 24 and reviewed it during its weekly meeting on March 25. The petition, submitted by voters from Kogi Central, included six bags of documents, allegedly containing signatures from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters across 902 polling units in five local government areas.
According to INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun, the petitioners failed to meet key submission requirements. “The covering letter lacks a definite contact address, email, and multiple telephone numbers as required by Clause 1(f) of the 2024 Recall Guidelines,” he stated. He noted that the address provided, “Okene, Kogi State,” is not specific enough for correspondence.
INEC reiterated that only registered voters in a constituency have the power to recall their elected representatives. The commission assured that once a petition meets all requirements, it will begin the verification process. “Signatories will be verified at each polling unit using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Petitioners and the recalled member can nominate agents to observe the process,” Olumekun added.
The commission is now making efforts to reach the petitioners through alternative means. “If they fully comply with the submission requirements, we will announce the next steps,” INEC said.
This recall attempt follows the Senate’s recent suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of misconduct. The petition has sparked political tensions, with supporters and opponents debating its legitimacy.
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