The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has now received the contact details of the representatives of petitioners seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued today by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
According to the statement, the petitioners’ representatives submitted a letter containing their telephone numbers, email addresses, and other contact details to the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
INEC’s Previous Concerns Addressed
This confirmation comes a day after INEC had raised concerns about the petitioners’ failure to provide essential contact details as required under the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.
The initial lack of information had caused a temporary hold on the next steps in the recall process, as INEC emphasized the need for transparency and compliance with procedural requirements.
With the submission of the necessary contact details, INEC has now taken further steps to notify Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of the recall petition.
The official notification has been delivered to her official address, sent to the presiding officer of the Senate, and published on the commission’s website for public access.
Next Steps in the Recall Process
INEC has outlined the subsequent stages in the recall procedure, the next of which will involve a thorough verification of the list of signatories attached to the petition.
According to the electoral commission, it must confirm that the petition has been endorsed by more than 50 percent of registered voters in the Kogi Central Constituency before the process can proceed.
“The next step is to scrutinize the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than half (over 50 percent) 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,” the statement read.
INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a fair and transparent process, assuring Nigerians that all procedures will be followed by legal and regulatory provisions.
Background: Why Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Faces Recall
The recall petition against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan follows a series of controversies, including her suspension from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged “gross misconduct.” The decision to suspend her reportedly stemmed from a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, escalating tensions within the legislative body.
The petition, titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” accuses her of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a pattern of deceit. Her critics argue that her actions have led to widespread dissatisfaction among constituents, warranting her removal from office.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has strongly refuted these allegations, arguing that the recall process is politically motivated. She previously criticized INEC for not dismissing the petition outright, insisting that it lacked merit and was orchestrated by political opponents seeking to undermine her.
Implications of the Recall Process
If the recall petition passes INEC’s verification stage, the next step will be a voter referendum in the Kogi Central Constituency, where registered voters will decide whether to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan from office. Such a process would be historic, as successful recalls of sitting senators in Nigeria are rare.
On the other hand, if INEC finds that the petition does not meet the required threshold of 50 percent of registered voters, the recall effort will be dismissed, and Akpoti-Uduaghan will retain her position.
Political analysts believe that the recall process could set a precedent for similar actions against other legislators if successful. It is also expected to deepen the already tense political climate in Kogi State, where Akpoti-Uduaghan has a strong support base but also faces significant opposition.
What Happens Next?
With INEC’s verification process set to commence in the coming days, all eyes are on the electoral commission as it navigates the legal and political complexities of the recall.
The commission has assured Nigerians that updates will be made available to the public as the process unfolds.
The outcome of this recall effort will have far-reaching implications, not only for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political career but also for the broader legislative and democratic landscape in Nigeria.
