Ade Olu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) explained why it could not go ahead with the process of recalling Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
INEC said the petition of her recall failed to meet the constitutional requirements as in Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
The Commission gave the expectations in a statement on Thursday via its official X handle.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, signed the statement.
“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” INEC said.
The Commissioner also noted that the petitioners could not gather the requisite number of signatures/thumbprints.
The signatures/thumbprints, should represent more than one-half of the registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
“The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e. 50%+1) is 237,277+1 which is at least 237,278 voters.
However, only 208,132 signatures were collected and they fell short by 29,146.
“This translates to 43.86% of the registered voters which falls short of the constitutional requirement by 29,146 signatories.
“Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution.
INEC has issued a public notice regarding the outcome of the review.
A summary of the signatures/thumbprints disaggregated by Local Government Areas is available on its official website and social media platforms.
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