How defiant returnee Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Recall Bid Has INEC Boxed In A Corner

zeeny360 .com 3 April 2025

How defiant returnee Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Recall Bid Has INEC Boxed In A Corner

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LAGOS, NIGERIA – Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared that the petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, has failed to meet the stringent constitutional standards required for such an action. The electoral body cited a critical flaw in the petition's adherence to Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), effectively putting an end to the immediate recall effort.

Why This Matters: Upholding Constitutional Integrity in Recall Processes

This decision by INEC underscores the importance of strict adherence to the constitutional guidelines governing the recall of elected officials in Nigeria. While the initial reports suggested a significant number of registered voters in Kogi Central had signed the petition, the failure to meet the specific procedural requirements highlights the legal hurdles involved in such processes. The outcome also brings into focus the delicate balance between citizens' right to hold their representatives accountable and the need for a legally sound and verifiable process.

INEC's Verdict: Constitutional Requirements Not Met

INEC formally announced its decision, stating that the petition for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's recall did not satisfy the conditions outlined in Section 69(a) of the Nigerian Constitution. This section stipulates that a recall petition must be presented to the INEC Chairman and signed by more than one-half of the registered voters in the concerned constituency. Crucially, these signatures must also be duly verified by INEC.

While earlier reports indicated that the petition had garnered what appeared to be a majority of signatures, INEC's assessment revealed procedural deficiencies that ultimately led to the petition's rejection. The specifics of these procedural issues were not immediately detailed in INEC's initial statements, but the focus on Section 69(a) suggests a potential lack of sufficient verified signatures or other procedural missteps.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's Response: Criticism of INEC's Handling

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been vocal in her reaction to the recall petition and INEC's role in it. She had previously criticized the electoral commission for not dismissing the petition outright at an earlier stage due to what she perceived as obvious procedural flaws. According to reports, she believed the petition should not have progressed as far as it did, given its alleged initial shortcomings.

"Natasha faults INEC, says petition for recall should have been dismissed," Punchng.com

Understanding Section 69(a) of the Nigerian Constitution

For clarity, Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) lays down the precise conditions for initiating the recall of a Senator or a member of the House of Representatives. These conditions are:

A petition must be presented to the Chairman of INEC.
The petition must be signed by more than one-half (i.e., >50%) of the individuals registered to vote in the concerned member's constituency.
The signatures on the petition must be duly verified by INEC to ensure their authenticity and that they belong to registered voters within that constituency.

INEC's declaration implies that the submitted petition failed to meet one or both of these critical requirements.

Contextual Background: Senator's Election and Recall Efforts

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's journey to the Senate has been marked by political contention. Her initial attempts to win the Kogi Central senatorial seat faced legal challenges. It's worth noting that recall efforts often emerge from a backdrop of political disagreements or dissatisfaction with a representative's performance or actions since assuming office. While the specific reasons behind this recall petition were not detailed in the provided articles, such attempts typically reflect a significant level of discontent within the constituency.

Public Reaction: Mixed Sentiments Expected

The failure of the recall petition is likely to elicit varied reactions from the public, particularly within the Kogi Central Senatorial District. Supporters of the recall effort may express disappointment, potentially questioning the verification process or the reasons for the procedural failure. Conversely, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's supporters may view this outcome as a validation of her mandate and a rejection of what they might consider a politically motivated attempt to remove her from office. As of the time of this report, detailed public reactions were still emerging.

Fact-Check Note:

Based on the provided citations and publicly available information regarding the Nigerian Constitution, the requirements of Section 69(a) have been accurately stated.