The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday expressed concerns over the petition seeking to recall the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
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In a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC confirmed receiving the petition, which included six bags of documents said to contain signatures from over half of the 474,554 registered voters in the district.
However, the commission highlighted major procedural flaws, particularly the lack of necessary contact information from the petitioners.
INEC noted that the petitioners failed to provide their full addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses as required by the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.
The petition was submitted by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents and received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, on Monday.
Despite covering five local government areas—Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene—across 902 polling units, the petition lacked detailed contact information. The only address provided was simply listed as “Okene, Kogi State,” which INEC deemed insufficient under its regulations.
INEC, in its official statement, clarified that the recall process is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024. The commission emphasized that the petition would be processed strictly within the legal framework.
The statement read that the petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene.
However, INEC pointed out the procedural lapse in the petition, stating that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s), and email address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition, as required under Clause 1(f) of its Regulations and Guidelines.
The address given was ‘Okene, Kogi State,’ which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of ‘the lead petitioner’ was provided instead of all representatives.
Despite these concerns, INEC reassured the public that the recall process would continue in accordance with legal provisions, provided that the petitioners rectify the procedural lapses.
Once all necessary details are provided, the commission will initiate the verification of signatures in an open process at each polling unit.
INEC reiterated that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them.
INEC explained that the verification process would involve the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to authenticate signatures.
Petitioners and the senator facing recall will have the right to nominate agents to observe the process, while accredited media and observers will also be present.
In the absence of a definite contact address, the commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation. INEC urged the public to disregard any rumors or misinformation circulating on social media.
The recall petition comes in the wake of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6, following allegations of “gross misconduct” after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The petition, titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” accuses her of abuse of office and deceitful conduct.
As the process unfolds, political analysts predict further tension in Kogi Central, where Akpoti-Uduaghan still commands significant support.
INEC has reiterated its commitment to upholding due process, promising to announce the next steps once all requirements are met.