The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that the petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has failed to meet the constitutional requirements necessary for such an action.
In an official statement released on Thursday via its X handle, INEC confirmed that the recall attempt did not satisfy the provisions of Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” the commission stated.
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What This Means for Kogi Central
This decision effectively puts an end to the recall process, affirming Akpoti-Uduaghan’s mandate as the duly elected senator. Under Nigerian law, for a recall to be successful, it must garner the support of at least half of the registered voters in the affected constituency, followed by a referendum conducted by INEC. The commission’s ruling suggests that the petitioners failed to meet this threshold.
While the specific grounds for the recall petition remain undisclosed, the outcome underscores the rigorous legal and procedural standards required to remove an elected lawmaker through popular vote.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent political figure, has been vocal on issues concerning governance, infrastructure, and human rights in Kogi State. With the recall effort unsuccessful, she is expected to continue her legislative duties without further legal distractions.
© Ripples Nigeria
