INEC: Recall Petition Against Senator Natasha Lacks Key Requirements
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving a petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but stated that it does not meet the necessary requirements.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Olumekun, the petition from the Kogi Central Senatorial District included six bags of documents containing signatures from over half of the 474,554 registered voters across 902 polling units in 57 registration areas (wards) spanning the five local government areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene.
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However, he noted that crucial information was missing from the submission. He stated, “Once the petition meets the stipulated requirements, as outlined in our regulations, the Commission will commence the verification of signatures in each polling unit through an open process restricted to registered voters who signed the petition.”
Olumekun pointed out that the representatives of the petitioners failed to provide their contact address, telephone numbers, and email addresses in their covering letter, contrary to Clause 1(f) of INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines. He further stated, “The provided address—‘Okene, Kogi State’—is not specific enough for effective contact. Moreover, only the telephone number of the lead petitioner was provided instead of the required contact details of all representatives.”
Reiterating INEC’s stance, the commissioner emphasised that the recall of a legislator remains the prerogative of registered voters in the constituency, provided they formally indicate a loss of confidence in their representative.
“Should the petitioners fully comply with Clause 1(f) of the regulations regarding submission requirements, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the applicable laws and guidelines,” Olumekun added.
The recall move follows Senator Natasha’s recent suspension by the Senate over alleged rule violations. She had earlier accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual assault.
