The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the petition demanding the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for lack of compliance with the exant rules guiding the process.
In a press release issued after its weekly meeting on Tuesday, INEC averred that while it had received six bags of documents purportedly containing signatures of over half of the 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central, the petitioners failed to provide necessary contact details as required by the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, 2024.
According to the Commission, the covering letter submitted alongside the petition only listed “Okene, Kogi State” as the contact address, while failing to identify a precise location.
Additionally, only one telephone number was provided instead of multiple numbers from all representatives of the petitioners, as mandated by Clause 1(f) of the guidelines.
INEC emphasized that the recall process is a constitutional right of voters who have lost confidence in their representative. However, for the process to move forward, the petition must satisfy all submission requirements before verification of signatures can commence.
“If the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations, and guidelines,” the statement read.
The electoral body also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the recall process transparently, using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to verify signatories at each polling unit.
INEC assured that both the petitioners and the affected senator would have the opportunity to nominate agents to observe the verification process, while accredited media and observers would also be allowed to monitor proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Commission disclosed that it was making efforts to reach the petitioners through alternative means, given the absence of a definite address.
INEC urged the public to disregard speculations and misleading reports circulating on social media, stressing that it would strictly follow the legal framework in handling the recall petition.
The development has generated reactions in Kogi Central, with political analysts and stakeholders closely watching how the process unfolds. Some supporters of the embattled senator have described the recall move as politically motivated, while others insist it reflects the will of the people.
With INEC’s latest stance, all eyes are now on the petitioners to see if they will rectify the identified shortcomings and move the recall process to the next stage.
