The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially notified Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of a petition seeking her recall from the Senate, marking the beginning of the constitutional process outlined in Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The notification on Wednesday, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony, confirms the receipt of a petition from representatives of registered voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District, calling for the senator’s removal.
In line with Clause 2(a) of INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, 2024, the Commission has also sent a copy of the letter to the presiding officer of the Senate and published the notification on its official website.
The notification letter titled ‘Letter for Your Recall From the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’ reads:
“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.
This notification is in line with the provision 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.
Signed, Mrs Rose Oriaran Anthony,
Secretary to the Commission.”
INEC Confirms Submission of Petitioners’ Contact Details
READ ALSO: Sen. Natasha Accuses INEC of Bias For Not Rejecting Recall Petition
Providing further updates on the recall process, INEC, in a statement released by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that the petitioners had now submitted their contact details, including a physical address, phone numbers, and email addresses, to the Commission.
As the next step, INEC will scrutinize the petition to verify that it is signed by more than 50% of the registered voters in the senatorial district, as required by law.
“The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission,” Olumekun stated, emphasizing that the process will remain open and transparent.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is yet to publicly respond to the recall petition. However, political observers and constituents are closely watching as INEC proceeds with the verification process, which will determine the fate of the recall attempt.
