The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the petition seeking the recall of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing significant flaws in the documentation. In a statement released on Tuesday, INEC highlighted that the petitioners failed to include essential contact information, such as addresses, phone numbers, and emails, as required by the Commission’s recall guidelines.
The petition, which was presented by Charity Ijese on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, was received by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony on Monday. It includes six bags of documents that allegedly contain signatures from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in the district. However, INEC pointed out that the petition lacks clear contact information for the petitioners, with only the phone number of the lead petitioner provided. Furthermore, the address listed simply as “Okene, Kogi State” was deemed too vague for official communication.
INEC’s National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, emphasized that under the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, a detailed and verifiable contact address is mandatory. He confirmed that, despite receiving the signatures, the absence of sufficient contact details has hindered the petition’s progress.
The petition covers voters from five local government areas: Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene across 902 polling units in 57 registration areas. However, INEC stressed that until the petitioners address the issue of missing contact information, the verification process of the signatures cannot proceed.
INEC has assured the public that it will follow due process once all legal requirements are met. The verification of signatures will take place at each polling unit in an open and transparent manner, with both petitioners and the senator subject to observation by nominated agents. The process will involve the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System to ensure accuracy.
The recall petition is part of an ongoing political controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The petition calls for her removal based on accusations of misconduct, abuse of office, and deceit.
INEC has urged the public to disregard rumors circulating on social media about the petition and reiterated its commitment to adhering to the legal framework for the recall process.
