INEC’s Dismissal of Recall Petition Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Lauded by Analysts Laolu and Itodo as a Victory for Due Process

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the recall petition initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing insufficient compliance with constitutional requirements. The petition, which had been filed by a group of individuals in her constituency, failed to meet the mandatory provision in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution.

According to the law, a recall petition must be signed by at least 50% plus one of the registered voters in the affected senatorial district. However, upon review, INEC found that the petition lacked the necessary number of verifiable signatures to proceed with the process.

In reaction to the news, political commentators Laolu and Samson Itodo praised INEC for standing by the law and refusing to be swayed by political pressure. They described the commission’s decision as an act of integrity and a clear message that democratic institutions in Nigeria are maturing.

The analysts also urged politicians to focus on their legislative duties rather than attempting to silence or remove elected officials through unjustified means. Senator Natasha, who had earlier described the recall attempt as politically motivated, has also thanked her supporters and expressed confidence in the legal and democratic process.