The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced yesterday that the petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position as representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District has fallen short of constitutional requirements.
According to INEC’s official statement released via its X platform on Thursday, “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the 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 recall effort, which has been a subject of political tension in Kogi State, failed to satisfy the constitutional threshold stipulated in Section 69(a), which requires signatures from more than half of registered voters in the constituency before a recall process can advance to the next stage.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has faced significant political pressure since taking office, has been embroiled in a contentious relationship with state authorities. The recall attempt comes amid allegations from her supporters that former Governor Yahaya Bello’s political network has been orchestrating efforts to undermine her position.
Despite an earlier controversy where local authorities reportedly attempted to restrict her movements within parts of her constituency, the Senator had received a warm reception during recent visits to her district. Political observers note that this failed recall attempt represents another chapter in the ongoing political dynamics of Kogi State.
The Commission’s decision effectively halts the recall process, allowing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to continue her representation of Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate without the immediate threat of removal through this particular petition.
INEC officials declined to provide specific details about how far the petition fell short of the constitutional requirements, but confirmed that the process would not proceed further based on their assessment of the submitted documentation.
