Kogi Central constituents extols INEC for endorsing 208,132 signatures in recall process

Residents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have extended their appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for verifying 208,132 signatures, accounting for 43.86% of registered voters, in their bid to recall the suspended senator representing the district, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Although the petitioners had initially gathered signatures exceeding the required 50% plus one threshold, they acknowledged that INEC’s confirmation of nearly 44% reinforced their stance that the senator no longer enjoys widespread support in the district.

The group noted that over 35,000 signatures were annulled during the administrative review, yet they maintained that the verification process demonstrated the overwhelming will of the people.

In a statement released on Thursday, Salihu Habib, who spoke on behalf of the petitioners, emphasized their determination to see the recall process through. 

“We will work with INEC in full compliance with the law to ensure transparency in the handling of our petition,” he affirmed.

They also commended INEC for disproving allegations that their petition was based on falsified figures. “We are grateful to INEC for confirming that the majority of Kogi Central constituents support this initiative and that our efforts were not fabricated, as some critics have claimed,” the statement read.

The petitioners reiterated that their decision to recall the senator stemmed from concerns about her alleged misconduct and divisive actions. 

“We are committed to ensuring Kogi Central is represented with dignity and integrity. We cannot continue to support a leader who prioritizes personal political ambitions over the collective good,” they declared.

They also criticized her recent public statements, describing them as inflammatory. 

“At her rally last Tuesday, she made remarks capable of creating tension not just in Kogi but across the country. How can a responsible senator suggest that other regions are undermining Kogi and the North because LNG plants are located here? How can she attempt to incite discord between the North and the South?”

The residents vowed to explore all legal and constitutional avenues to ensure that their voices are respected. “Beyond everything, power belongs to the people,” they concluded.