National
INEC Hits Technical Glitch In Natasha Recall
By Benjamin Abioye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over missing contact details in a petition seeking the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.
Sam Olumekun, a national commissioner and chairman of INEC’s information and voter education committee, revealed that the petition for the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was submitted on Monday along with six bags filled with documents. These documents reportedly contained signatures from 474,554 registered voters in the district. However, INEC noticed that the petitioners’ representatives failed to provide key contact information.
“The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition,” Olumekun stated.
He further explained that the only address given was “Okene, Kogi State,” which is too vague to serve as an official point of contact. Additionally, only the phone number of the “lead petitioner” was included instead of full details for all the representatives.
Earlier that day, some residents of Kogi Central submitted the petition to recall Natasha, urging INEC to proceed with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall. Speaking on behalf of the group, Charity Omole stated that their intention was to ensure continuous representation for their district, stressing that the region could not afford to have a vacant senate seat.
The move follows the senator’s suspension from the National Assembly on March 6 due to alleged “gross misconduct.” The suspension stemmed from an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements. Notably, the disciplinary action was taken shortly after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Olumekun clarified that the recall process is governed by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2024 guidelines. He explained that if the petition met all legal requirements, INEC would begin verifying the submitted signatures using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
“The petitioners and the lawmaker whose recall is sought will be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited,” Olumekun said.
He emphasized that INEC would only move forward once all procedural requirements, including Clause 1(f) of the regulations, are met. Until then, efforts are being made to reach the petitioners through alternative means.
INEC reassured the public that the recall process would be conducted strictly in accordance with existing legal frameworks and electoral regulations.
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