The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday expressed concerns over the recall petition against the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

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 reportedly containing signatures from more than half of the district’s 474,554 registered voters.

However, the commission noted that the petitioners failed to provide essential contact details, such as their addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, as required under its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall.

The petition, submitted on Monday by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents and received by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, was found to be lacking clear contact information for the representatives, with only the phone number of the lead petitioner provided.

INEC further stated that the petition covers voters from five local government areas—Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene—spanning 902 polling units across 57 registration areas.

The commission criticized the petitioners for listing “Okene, Kogi State” as their address, saying it does not meet the required standards for official correspondence.

“The commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday, 25th March 2025, during which it discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District,” the statement read in part.

“The recall process is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and our detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.

“The commission’s immediate observation is that the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone numbers, and email addresses in the covering letter. The address given—‘Okene, Kogi State’—is not a definite location for contacting them. Only the phone number of the lead petitioner is provided, contrary to the requirement for all representatives’ contact details.”

INEC emphasized that if the petition meets all legal requirements, it will proceed with signature verification in an open process at each polling unit. The verification will involve only registered voters who signed the petition, with both the petitioners and the senator allowed to appoint agents to observe.

Signature verification will be conducted using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, and accredited media and observers will be allowed to monitor the process.

Olumekun reiterated, “The recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in their representative. Once the petition meets submission requirements, the commission will commence verification in an open process restricted to signatories. Petitioners and the affected senator may nominate agents to observe, while media and observers will be accredited. At each polling unit, signatures will be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.”

INEC assured the public that the recall process would follow legal guidelines but added that it is exploring alternative ways to notify the petitioners due to the incomplete contact details.

The commission also urged the public to disregard rumors and misinformation on social media, reaffirming its commitment to a transparent process.

“If the petitioners fully comply with Clause 1(f) of our regulations regarding submission, the commission will announce the next steps in line with the law. In the absence of a definite contact address, we are making efforts to notify the petitioners through other means,” the statement concluded.

The recall petition follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6 over alleged “gross misconduct” after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” the petition cites allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a pattern of deceit as reasons for her removal.