INEC Shuts Down Recall Attempt on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan—Here’s Why It Failed

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially dismissed the petition seeking to recall Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring that it failed to meet the constitutional requirements necessary for such a process.

In a statement released on Thursday, INEC explained that after a thorough review, the petitioners did not secure the required number of valid signatures to move forward with the recall. According to Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a recall petition must be supported by more than half of the registered voters in the concerned constituency.

INEC’s Review of the Petition

The electoral body disclosed that Kogi Central has a total of 474,554 registered voters, meaning at least 237,278 verified signatures were needed to proceed with the recall. However, after carefully assessing the submitted documents, INEC confirmed that only 208,132 valid signatures were collected—falling short of the requirement by 29,146 signatories.

As a result, INEC stated that the recall process would not proceed any further, emphasizing that its decision was made in strict adherence to legal provisions and its own regulations. The commission also noted that it had conducted the verification process transparently, ensuring fairness to all parties involved.

Public Notification and Senate Communication

In accordance with its procedures, INEC issued a public notice announcing the failure of the recall attempt. This notice was shared on its website and social media platforms, ensuring accessibility to the general public. Additionally, the Senate was formally notified, with a copy of the report sent to the presiding officer of the legislative body.

Background and Political Reactions

The move to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a topic of heated political debate in Kogi Central. Her suspension from the Senate earlier sparked controversy, with many of her supporters viewing the recall petition as politically motivated.

Following INEC’s decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan took to social media to express her gratitude and celebrate what she described as a victory for democracy. She thanked her supporters, including her husband and political allies, for standing by her throughout the process.

What’s Next?

With the recall petition officially struck down, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will continue serving as Kogi Central’s senator. However, political analysts suggest that this may not be the last challenge she faces, as her tenure remains a focal point of political contention in the region.

INEC has assured Nigerians that it remains committed to upholding democratic principles and will continue to handle electoral matters with transparency and fairness.

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