The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has thrown out a petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central, saying it doesn’t meet the rules. In a brief statement on Thursday, INEC explained on its X account that the petition didn’t follow Section 69(a) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

In a follow-up, INEC’s National Commissioner Sam Olumekun broke it down: “The Constitution says a recall petition needs signatures from more than half the registered voters in the senator’s district. Kogi Central has 474,554 voters, so that’s at least 237,278 signatures. The petitioners only got 208,132 across 902 polling units in 57 areas and five local governments—not enough.”

Natasha’s constituents started the recall after she was suspended by the Senate for breaking its rules. They said they didn’t want to lose representation since the 45-year-old senator was sidelined. She’s been in the news lately after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—something he denies—leading to her suspension.

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE

OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW OF SIGNATURES/THUMBPRINTS OF THE PETITIONERS FOR THE RECALL OF THE SENATOR REPRESENTING KOGI CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT

The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday 3rd April… pic.twitter.com/coY69FVUIB

— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) April 3, 2025

On Tuesday, despite a state ban on rallies, Natasha got a big welcome from supporters in Okehi, Kogi State. Speaking to the crowd, she said, “No one and nothing can keep me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman—this is my land.”

READ ALSO: Natasha Defies Kogi Rally Ban, Confirms Sallah Visit to Constituency