The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled that the petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central is invalid.
In a statement on Thursday, 2nd of April, INEC declared that the petition failed to meet the requirements set by Section 69(a) of the Nigerian Constitution. A physical count of signatures verified only 208,132 voters—43.86% of the 474,554 registered voters—falling short of the required 237,278 signatures by 29,146.
With this shortfall, INEC announced that no further action would be taken on the recall process. A public notice has been issued, and the Senate has been officially informed.
The failed recall attempt has fueled political tensions in Kogi State, with speculations that former Governor Yahaya Bello and his allies were behind the move to unseat Akpoti-Uduaghan. Some residents claim they were deceived into signing the petition, believing it was part of an empowerment program.
A Federal High Court in Lokoja had previously halted the recall process, citing allegations of fraudulent signatures. The case is set for hearing on May 6, 2025, though INEC’s decision may render it unnecessary.
