INEC Provides Update On Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall Process

INEC Updates on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall Efforts

Hey there, let me break this down for you. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given a detailed update regarding the ongoing efforts by constituents to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate. This is a significant development, and it’s important to understand the details behind it.

INEC announced on Tuesday that the recall petition for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently incomplete. According to the electoral body, the petition lacks essential contact information required by Clause 1(f) of the regulations. This means the petitioners didn’t provide full contact details, such as addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, which are necessary for the process to move forward.

What’s Missing in the Recall Petition?

Let me explain what’s missing here. While the petition includes the phone number of the lead petitioner, it doesn’t have a specific address—it just says "Okene, Kogi State." That’s not enough for INEC to reach out to the petitioners. For a recall process to be valid, the petition must include detailed contact information for all representatives involved. Without this, the process can’t proceed as required by law.

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In a statement issued by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the commission highlighted that the petition was accompanied by six bags of documents. These documents claim to contain signatures from over half of the 474,554 registered voters across 902 polling units in 57 registration areas (wards) within the five local government areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene.

What Happens Next?

Once the petition meets all the necessary requirements, INEC will start the verification process. This will involve checking the signatures at each polling unit in an open and transparent manner, but only registered voters who signed the petition will be allowed to participate. The verification process will use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), ensuring accuracy and integrity.

Naija News reported that INEC urged the public to ignore any misinformation circulating on social media about the recall process. The commission reiterated its commitment to following the legal framework set out in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its own Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.

INEC’s Official Statement

Here’s what INEC said in their statement:

“The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday, 25th March 2025. Among the issues discussed was the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The recall process is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and our detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, all of which are available on our website. We will strictly adhere to these legal frameworks when handling all petitions.”

“The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District came with six bags of documents, allegedly containing signatures 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, the Commission observed that the representatives of the petitioners failed to provide their contact address, telephone numbers, and email addresses in the covering letter forwarding the petition. The address given—‘Okene, Kogi State’—is too vague to be considered a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Additionally, only the phone number of the lead petitioner was provided.”

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“The Commission wants to remind everyone that the recall of a legislator is a right granted to registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating a loss of confidence in their representative. Once the petition meets all submission requirements, as outlined in our regulations, we will begin the verification of signatures in each polling unit. This will be an open process, but only restricted to registered voters who signed the petition. The petitioners and the member targeted for recall will have the opportunity to nominate agents to observe the verification. Media and interested observers will also be accredited. At each polling unit, signatories will be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).”

“If the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with existing laws, regulations, and guidelines. In the meantime, we’re exploring other ways to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation. We assure the public that we will remain guided by the legal framework for recall, and any speculation or insinuations on social media should be disregarded.”

So, there you have it. INEC is clear about the steps needed for the recall process to move forward, and they’re urging the public to stay informed through official channels. Keep an eye out for updates as this story unfolds!