INEC speaks on recall process of Senator Natasha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged receiving a petition seeking the recall of the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

This development was confirmed during the Commission’s routine meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

The recall process follows the stipulations in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act of 2022, and the Commission’s updated Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.

The petition arrived along with six bags containing documents that are claimed to include signatures from over half of the 474,554 registered voters in the constituency.

These voters are spread across 902 polling units in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene Local Government Areas.

However, INEC noted some issues with the submission.

The petitioners did not include a precise contact address or detailed phone numbers for their representatives, as required by the guidelines.

The address listed, “Okene, Kogi State,” was deemed too vague, and only one phone number was provided instead of multiple contact options.

INEC stated that proper contact information is essential for the next steps in the recall process.

Once the petition meets all submission criteria, INEC will begin verifying the signatures in an open process.

This process will be limited to the voters who signed the petition, while both the petitioners and the senator in question can appoint agents to observe the proceedings.

Accredited observers and media representatives will also be allowed to monitor the verification exercise.

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used to confirm the authenticity of the signatures.

In light of the incomplete contact details, INEC is making alternative efforts to reach the petitioners.

The Commission has assured the public that it will strictly follow the legal guidelines throughout the recall process and urged citizens to disregard any rumours or misinformation circulating on social media.