By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly failed to meet the constitutional requirement.
This follows its validation of 208,132 signatures, representing 43.86% of registered voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District—falling short of the 50% + 1 threshold needed to proceed.
In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun,National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee in Abuja on
Thursday 3rd April 2025 INEC clarified that while the petitioners submitted a large number of signatures, they did not reach the required 237,278 signatories.
As a result, the electoral body stated that no further action would be taken on the recall process, in line with Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution.
However, the petitioners, led by Salihu Habib, insisted that their mission was far from over. While thanking INEC for its transparency in validating the signatures, they alleged that over 35,000 names were arbitrarily canceled at the administrative stage.
They vowed to refine their strategy and re-engage with the Commission to ensure a successful recall.
According to them, the validation process still confirmed their claim that the majority of Kogi Central constituents had abandoned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We have proven that our movement is genuine and not manipulated by external forces,” they said.
The group wondered why the Senator engaged in divisive politics and misconduct, citing her recent rally where she allegedly made statements capable of causing regional tensions.
They also emphasized that their push for the recall was not driven by personal vendetta but by a desire to restore “dignified and collaborative representation” to the district.
The petitioners said they remain resolute, pledging to explore all lawful and constitutional means to achieve their objective.
“We will not rest until our voices are heard. Power belongs to the people, and after God, the people’s will must prevail,” they added.
Meanwhile, INEC reiterated its commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring fairness in electoral matters.
It assured the public that the review of signatures was conducted in accordance with the law and was not subject to any political interference.
The electoral body also made the full report of the verification process publicly available, providing a detailed breakdown of the signatures across the five Local Government Areas that make up Kogi Central.
