INEC notifies Natasha of move to recall her from senate

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has notified Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central, about the petition by constituents seeking her recall from the National Assembly.

This was conveyed in a letter signed by Ruth Oriaran Anthony, Secretary to the Commission.

“Pursuant to section 69 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I write to notify you of the receipt of a petition from representatives of registered voters in your constituency seeking your recall from the senate.”

“The notification is in line with the provisions of clause 2 (a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.

“This letter is also copied to the presiding officer of the senate and simultaneously published on the commission’s website. Thank you.”

Below are the steps taken before a lawmaker is recalled:

A petition for Recall shall be presented to the Chairman of the
Commission by representative(s) of the petitioners.
(b) The petition shall be signed by more than one half of the persons
(that is, at least one person above half) registered to vote in the
constituency of the member sought to be recalled, alleging loss of
confidence in that member.
(c) Where half of the number of registered voters is not a whole
number, the next whole number shall be regarded as one half of
the registered voters.
(d) The signing of the petition may be by signatures or thumbprints of
the petitioners.
(e) The names, Voter Identification Numbers (VIN) and signatures of
the petitioners shall be arranged according to Polling Units in the
constituency of the member sought to be recalled.
(f) For ease of communication, the name(s), contact address(es),
phone number(s) and e-mail address(es) of the representative(s)
of the petitioners should be clearly indicated in the covering letter
forwarding the petition to the Com

The Commission shall, upon receipt of the petition:
(a) Notify the member sought to be recalled, in writing, of the receipt
of the petition. Such notification shall be delivered to his/her official
address, copied the presiding officer of the applicable legislature
and published on the Commission’s website.
(b) Ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half
(over 50%) of the registered voters in the member’s constituency.
The list of signatories to the petition shall constitute the Register
of Petitioners (Form EC41) for the purpose of any activity in this
Regulation and Guidelines.
(c) Where sub-paragraph 2(b) above is established, issue a public
notice or announcement stating the day, time, location and other
details for the verification of the petition.
(d) Where subparagraph 2(b) above is not established, issue a public
notice to that effect and copy the Presiding Officer of the applicable legislature

Verification shall be carried out in the Polling Units at the constituency
of the member sought to be recalled.
Location for
Verification

4. (a) The Commission shall, for the purpose of verification of a petition
   for Recall, appoint Verification Officers (VOs) as is the case with
   other types of elections.
   (b) The Commission shall assign functions and duties to the
   Verification Officers appointed under sub-paragraph 4(a) of this
   paragraph.
   (c) An Electoral Officer, Assistant Electoral Officer or any other officer
   designated by the Commission shall supervise the Verification
   Officers appointed under subparagraph 4(a) within the Local
   Government Area/Area Council of posting.
   (d) All officers appointed for the verification exercise shall subscribe
   to the oath of neutrality.