Abuja, April 4, 2025 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, stating that it failed to meet constitutional requirements.
In an official statement released on Thursday, INEC confirmed that only 208,132 verified signatures were submitted in the recall petition—29,146 short of the required 237,278 (50% + 1 of registered voters in the constituency).
Why the Petition Failed
According to Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a recall petition must be backed by more than half of the registered voters in the constituency. Kogi Central has 474,554 registered voters, meaning petitioners needed at least 237,278 valid signatures—a threshold they did not meet.
INEC’s verification process covered 902 polling units across 57 registration areas and five local government areas. The final tally showed only 43.86% compliance, prompting the commission to halt further action.
INEC’s Due Process
Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, outlined the steps taken:
1. Initial Compliance Check: Ensuring the petition met submission guidelines.
2. Notification: Informing the Senator, the Senate President, and the public.
3. Signature Verification: Conducting a thorough review of all submitted signatures.
INEC emphasized its commitment to fairness and adherence to legal procedures. A public notice detailing the decision, along with a breakdown of signatures by local government, has been published on INEC’s website and social media platforms.
Final Decision
With the petition falling short, no further recall proceedings will take place. Senator Natasha retains her seat as the lawmaker for Kogi Central.
Key Takeaways:
- Petition dismissed: 208,132 signatures (43.86%) vs required 237,278 (50% + 1).
- INEC followed due process, including verification and public notification.
- No further action: Senator Natasha will not face a recall vote.
(Source: INEC Official Statement, April 3, 2025)
