The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing failure to meet the minimum constitutional requirements.
In a statement on the commission’s X handle, INEC explained that the petition fell short of meeting the requirements outlined in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended). The commission promised a detailed statement shortly.
This development comes after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused INEC of guiding the petitioners on how to facilitate her recall during a rally in her senatorial district on Tuesday.
The recall effort against Akpoti-Uduaghan began after her suspension from the Senate on March 6 over allegations of “gross misconduct” following a dispute over seating arrangements.
A Federal High Court in Lokoja had issued an interim injunction, barring INEC from taking action on any recall petition against Senator Natasha due to allegations of fraudulent signatures. The court has scheduled a hearing for May 6, 2025, to further address the matter.