INEC Chairman,
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially notified Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, of a petition filed by constituents seeking her recall from the National Assembly.
In a letter signed by Ruth Oriaran Anthony, Secretary to the Commission, INEC stated:
“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 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. Thank you.”
Meanwhile, in an official statement issued on Wednesday, INEC confirmed that it has now received updated contact details from representatives of the petitioners.
Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, also reiterated the next steps:
“The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half (over 50%) of the registered voters in the constituency. This will be done in the coming days.
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.”
The recall process follows a series of controversies surrounding the senator, including her recent suspension from the Senate for six months over an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding her seating arrangement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also recently accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The petitioners behind the recall effort have cited “gross misconduct, abuse of office, and deceitful behaviour” as their reasons.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied any wrongdoing, describing the move as a “coordinated suppression” of her voice.
