Laolu Akande Cheers INEC For Protecting The Integrity OF The Senate, Rejecting Natasha’s Recall Effort

Laolu Akande, former presidential aide, and Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, both lauded the commission’s decision. INEC clarified that the petition did not meet constitutional requirements, specifically pointing out that the signatures collected fell short of the necessary threshold for a valid recall.

Referring to Section 69(a) of the Constitution, INEC explained that for a senator to be recalled, the petition must be signed by over half of the registered voters in their constituency. With 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central, at least 237,278 signatures were needed. However, the petitioners only gathered 208,132 signatures, leading INEC to announce that no further action would be taken on the recall.

Laolu Akande praised INEC’s adherence to constitutional procedures, commenting on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, “INEC did the right thing by focusing on the numbers and following regulations.”

Yiaga Africa’s Samson Itodo also commended the decision, calling it “a victory for constitutionalism” and reinforcing INEC’s role in upholding the law and maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.

Despite the rejection of the recall petition, the situation highlights the ongoing political tensions in Kogi State. Both Akande and Itodo reaffirmed their support for INEC, recognizing its role in safeguarding democracy and constitutional integrity.