KEY POINTS

• INEC rejected the recall petition against Senator Natasha for lacking 29,146 signatures (50%+1 of voters) as required by Nigeria’s constitution.
• The move follows Natasha’s suspension after accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment and her defiant homecoming rally in Kogi.
• Political analysts view the saga as symptomatic of broader legislative conflicts in Nigeria’s 10th Assembly.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially dismissed the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, declaring it constitutionally inadequate.

In a statement released Thursday, INEC revealed the petition fell “29,146 signatures short” of the required threshold under Section 69(a) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

“The petition did not meet the requirement of more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central,” stated INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun. The commission verified only 208,132 valid signatures from the 902 polling units across five LGAs, far below the 237,278 needed.

According to Channelstv, this marks the second rejection of the recall effort, following an earlier dismissal due to incomplete contact details.

Political tensions simmer amid recall controversy

The failed recall bid intensifies Nigeria’s most contentious senate feud, stemming from Senator Natasha’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—claims he denies.

Her subsequent suspension for “violating senate conduct rules” in February 2025 triggered the recall campaign by constituents fearing inadequate representation.

Undeterred, Natasha defiantly held a homecoming rally Tuesday in Okehi LGA, declaring: “Nobody can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land.” The event violated Kogi State’s ban on public gatherings, further escalating tensions. Political analysts note the saga reflects deeper rifts in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, where opposition lawmakers face increasing pressure.