INEC Begins Recall Process for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Just yesterday the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally commenced the recall process for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Senator Natasha who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has been in the news lately for multiple reasons.

This follows a petition submitted by her constituents, citing a loss of confidence in her representation.

INEC initially flagged the petition for procedural gaps, particularly the absence of petitioners’ contact details.

However, the commission has now received the necessary information. This includes addresses, phone numbers, and emails of the petitioners’ representatives.

In compliance with its regulations, INEC has also officially notified both Senator Natasha and the Senate’s presiding officer about the petition. This action is as required by Clause 2(a) of its 2024 Recall Guidelines.

The next stage of the process involves verifying the petition’s signatories. This will be done to confirm that it meets the legal threshold of being endorsed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central.

This verification, expected in the coming days, will determine whether the process moves forward. INEC has assured the public that it will conduct the exercise transparently and in accordance with legal provisions.

This recall process comes amid other challenges for Senator Natasha. She was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged misconduct during a plenary session, with the suspension lasting six months. As part of the disciplinary measures, her office at the National Assembly has been sealed, and her security aides withdrawn.

Reacting to the recall petition, the Electoral College Nigeria, a civic group focused on electoral integrity, has urged INEC to handle the process with fairness and strict adherence to due process. The group emphasized the need to maintain public trust in the electoral system.

As events unfold, political analysts and stakeholders are closely monitoring INEC’s actions to ensure the process remains transparent and in line with democratic principles.