INEC Notifies Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Recall Petition, Begins Verification of Signatures

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially notified Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, of a petition by her constituents seeking her recall from the National Assembly.

In a letter signed by INEC Secretary Ruth Oriaran Anthony, the commission stated that it had received updated contact details of the petitioners, addressing an earlier concern about incomplete information.

“Pursuant to Section 69 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I write to notify you of the receipt of a petition from representatives of registered voters in your constituency seeking your recall from the Senate,” the letter read.

“The notification is in line with the provisions of Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024. This letter is also copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and simultaneously published on the Commission’s website.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that the next step would be to scrutinize the list of signatories to verify that more than 50% of registered voters in the constituency signed the petition.

“The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission. We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent,” Olumekun stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks. She was suspended from the Senate for six months after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and engaging in a heated seating arrangement dispute in the chamber.

The petitioners seeking her recall have cited allegations of “gross misconduct, abuse of office, and deceitful behavior.” However, the senator has dismissed the move as a “coordinated suppression” of her voice.