INEC Confirms Receipt of Petition to Recall Senator Natasha, Highlights Missing Details

INEC Acknowledges Recall Petition Against Senator Natasha, Flags Missing Details

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. However, the electoral body has flagged missing information that must be corrected before proceeding with the next steps.

Details of the Recall Petition

According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, the petition was accompanied by six bags of documents containing signatures from over half of the 474,554 registered voters across 902 polling units in the five local government areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene.

However, the Commission observed that the petition lacked:

• A definite contact address for the petitioners
• The phone numbers and emails of all representatives (except the lead petitioner’s number)

Due to these omissions, INEC cannot initiate the verification process until the requirements are fully met.

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INEC’s Next Steps

Olumekun emphasized that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of the voters and must follow due process. He stated:

“Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only.”

Verification will involve:

• Use of BVAS to authenticate signatures
• Observation by petitioners’ agents, the senator’s representatives, accredited observers, and the media

INEC has also assured that it will attempt to reach the petitioners through other means while maintaining transparency and adherence to the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall.

Why is Senator Natasha Facing a Recall?

The move to recall Senator Natasha follows her suspension from the Senate after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual assault. This has sparked controversy and political tension in Kogi Central.

Do you think this recall process will succeed? Share your thoughts in the comments!