BREAKING: INEC Finally Rejects Petition to Recall Natasha

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially dismissed the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The commission determined that the petition did not fulfill the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

In a statement released on April 3, 2025, INEC detailed the verification process and its findings. The commission reported that out of the total 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central, only 208,132 signatures were verified from the petitioners' submission. This figure represents 43.86% of the registered voters, falling short of the required 50% plus one, which amounts to 237,278 signatures. Consequently, the petition was deemed insufficient to trigger a recall process.

INEC emphasized its adherence to constitutional provisions, stating that a recall petition must be supported by more than half of the registered voters in the affected constituency. The commission also noted that a public notice detailing the outcome has been issued and forwarded to the Senate's presiding officer.

This development marks the conclusion of efforts to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who made history as Kogi State's first female senator. She was presented with her Certificate of Return by INEC on November 1, 2023, following her victory in the February 25 National Assembly elections. Her election was affirmed by both the Kogi State National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal and the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

The recall attempt and its subsequent rejection have sparked discussions about the political dynamics in Kogi Central and the broader implications for legislative representation in Nigeria. Observers note that the unsuccessful recall underscores the challenges inherent in mobilizing sufficient voter support for such initiatives and highlights the constitutional safeguards designed to ensure that recall processes reflect the genuine will of the electorate.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to issue an official statement regarding INEC's decision. However, her supporters have expressed relief and satisfaction, viewing the outcome as a validation of her mandate and a testament to the electorate's confidence in her leadership.

As the political landscape in Kogi Central continues to evolve, this episode serves as a reminder of the critical role that constitutional provisions and electoral bodies play in upholding democratic principles and ensuring that elected representatives remain accountable to their constituents.