By Marvellous Nyang
April 3, 2025
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has thrown out the petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing failure to meet constitutional requirements.
This marks the second rejection of the petition in less than two weeks, amplifying controversy surrounding the recall process.
INEC announced its decision on Thursday, April 3, 2025, via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that the petition did not satisfy Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
This section mandates that a recall petition must be signed by more than half of registered voters in the affected constituency and subsequently approved in a referendum.
Despite claims of over 50% voter support, INEC determined that the petition lacked sufficient valid signatures and accompanying voter details.
The recall effort has been fraught with allegations of fraud and political manipulation.
Reports suggest that some voters were misled into signing the petition under false pretenses, such as promises of empowerment programmes.
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Additionally, a Federal High Court in Lokoja had previously issued an injunction restraining INEC from processing the recall due to claims of irregularities.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently criticised INEC’s handling of the matter, accusing the commission of bias.
Through her lawyer, she argued that INEC should have dismissed the petition outright for failing to meet procedural standards during its initial submission on March 25, 2025.
She further alleged that political allies of former Governor Yahaya Bello orchestrated the recall effort as part of a vendetta against her outspoken criticism of his administration.
INEC’s rejection comes after petitioners initially failed to provide essential contact information, which was later rectified.
The commission proceeded to verify six bags of documents containing signatures but ultimately concluded they did not meet constitutional thresholds.
This latest development is expected to intensify legal and political battles surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s tenure. A court hearing on the matter is scheduled for May 6, 2025.
