INEC Rejects Petition to Recall Suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a petition submitted by some members of Kogi central constituency to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently suspended from the Senate

In a statement released on Thursday, INEC cited Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the conditions for recalling a lawmaker. According to INEC, the petition failed to fulfill these requirements, and therefore, the commission cannot proceed with the recall process.

The petition was submitted to INEC on March 24 by some members of Kogi central constituency, who claimed that the constituency cannot afford to be without a representative in the Senate due to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. Charity Omole, a representative of the constituents, stated that the petition was submitted to ensure that the constituency has a voice in the Senate.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate, prompting her constituents to seek her recall. However, INEC’s rejection of the petition means that the recall process will not proceed.

The rejection of the petition by INEC means that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension will remain in effect, and the constituency will continue to be without a representative in the Senate. This development may have significant implications for the constituency and the Senate as a whole.