Nigeria INEC Notifies Natasha Akpoti of Recall Move, Begins Verification Process

INEC has officially notified Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of a recall petition from Kogi Central constituents. The electoral body is set to verify the petition’s signatures, requiring over 50% voter support. Akpoti-Uduaghan calls the move politically motivated. INEC assures transparency in the process, with updates expected in the coming days.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has informed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of an ongoing recall petition initiated by some voters in Kogi Central. The notification marks the beginning of a process that could determine her future in the Senate.

According to a letter signed by INEC Secretary Ruth Oriaran Anthony, the commission has received the necessary details from the petitioners and has officially notified the senator. The letter has also been sent to the Senate leadership and published on INEC’s website, following due process.

Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, stated that the next phase involves verifying the petition’s signatures. For the recall to proceed, more than half of registered voters in the constituency must endorse it. He reassured the public that the process would be transparent and in line with legal provisions.

The recall attempt comes amid heightened political tensions, as Akpoti-Uduaghan was recently suspended from the Senate for alleged misconduct. Her suspension followed a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment. While her supporters believe the recall is a political attack, the petitioners cite allegations of misconduct and abuse of office as their motivation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has dismissed the recall as an orchestrated attempt to silence her, vowing to fight back. The verification process by INEC will determine whether the recall petition meets legal requirements, with further announcements expected in the coming days.