A petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has suffered a temporary setback.
The commission cited non-compliance with procedure and requirements as the reason for its decision.
In a statement by Sam Olumekun, commissioner for voter education, INEC disclosed that the petition was accompanied by six bags of documents containing signatures purportedly collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters in the district. The signatories were drawn from 902 polling units across 57 registration areas in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene local government areas.
However, the electoral body observed that the representatives of the petitioners failed to provide a definite contact address, telephone numbers, and email addresses in the covering letter that accompanied the petition. The only address given was “Okene, Kogi State,” which INEC deemed inadequate for official correspondence. Additionally, only one telephone number belonging to the lead petitioner was provided instead of the required contact details for all representatives.
INEC emphasized that the process of recalling a legislator is the exclusive right of registered voters in a constituency. Once a recall petition meets all submission requirements, the commission will commence verification of signatures at polling units. The verification process will be conducted openly, with only registered voters who signed the petition allowed to participate. Petitioners and the affected legislator can nominate agents to observe the process, while accredited media and observers will also be granted access.
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The commission further clarified that the verification process would rely on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System to authenticate signatories. If the petitioners comply fully with the submission requirements, INEC will announce the next steps in accordance with existing laws, regulations, and guidelines.
Despite the initial rejection, INEC assured the public that efforts were being made to notify the petitioners’ representatives through alternative means. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to following due process in handling recall petitions and urged the public to disregard speculations circulating on social media.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent figure in Kogi politics, has yet to publicly comment on the development. The petitioners also remain silent on whether they intend to rectify the identified submission flaws and refile the petition.
INEC reiterated that it would strictly adhere to legal procedures in handling the recall process, ensuring transparency and fairness to all parties involved.
Crediblenewsng.com
