INEC Highlights Procedural Gaps in Petition to Recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has flagged significant procedural issues in the petition submitted for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
During its weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Commission reviewed the petition, which was accompanied by six bags of documents reportedly containing signatures from over half of the 474,554 registered voters in the district.
INEC emphasized that the recall process is a constitutional right of voters, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.
However, the petitioners failed to meet a critical requirement: providing a definitive contact address and comprehensive contact details for their representatives.
The covering letter accompanying the petition listed “Okene, Kogi State” as the address, which INEC deemed insufficient for communication. Additionally, only the lead petitioner’s phone number was provided, contrary to the guidelines that require contact information for all representatives.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to legal frameworks. It assured the public that, once the petition meets submission requirements, the verification of signatures would be conducted openly.
This process would involve the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and would be restricted to registered voters who signed the petition. Both the petitioners and the senator facing recall would have the opportunity to nominate agents to observe the verification process, alongside accredited observers and media representatives.
INEC also addressed the challenges posed by the lack of a definitive contact address, stating that it is exploring alternative methods to notify the petitioners of the situation. The Commission urged the public to disregard speculative narratives circulating on social media and reaffirmed its commitment to being guided by the law.
Further announcements will be made once the petitioners address the identified shortcomings and comply fully with the submission requirements.
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