Recall Petition for Kogi Central Senator Fails to Meet Constitutional Threshold, INEC Declares
posted 3rd April 2025
Recall Petition for Kogi Central Senator Fails to Meet Constitutional Threshold, INEC Declares
Abuja, Nigeria – 3 April 2025 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that a petition seeking the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District does not satisfy the legal requirements outlined in Nigeria’s constitution. The electoral body made the statement via its official X account earlier today, citing Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
In a brief post, INEC stated: "The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)." The commission promised to release a detailed statement soon, shedding further light on the decision.
Section 69(a) of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that a recall process can only proceed if a petition is signed by more than half of the registered voters in the constituency of the elected official in question. While INEC has yet to elaborate on the specific shortcomings of the petition, the announcement suggests that the required number of signatures may not have been achieved.
The recall effort, which has garnered attention in Kogi State and beyond, reflects growing political tensions in the region. However, with INEC’s ruling, the Senator’s position appears secure for the time being. Political analysts anticipate that the commission’s forthcoming statement will provide clarity on the verification process and the next steps, if any, for those behind the petition.
Residents of Kogi Central and political observers alike now await INEC’s detailed explanation, which is expected to address the procedural and legal aspects of the failed recall bid. This development underscores the stringent constitutional safeguards in place for elected officials in Nigeria, ensuring that recall efforts meet a high bar before advancing.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
