Kogi Central Senator Retains Seat as INEC Declares Recall Attempt Invalid
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled against the recall of the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District after the petition failed to meet the constitutional threshold.
In a statement released on Thursday by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, the commission confirmed that the signatures submitted for the recall did not meet the required legal standard.
Following a thorough review during its weekly meeting on April 3, 2025, INEC approved the report on the physical count of the signatures and thumbprints attached to the recall petition. The commission had earlier assured Nigerians of a transparent process in line with the law and its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall.
According to INEC, for the recall process to proceed, the petitioners needed to present signatures from at least 50% plus one of the 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central—amounting to a minimum of 237,278 signatories. However, after verification, only 208,132 valid signatures were confirmed, representing 43.86% of the electorate and falling short by 29,146 signatories.
Citing Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), INEC declared that the recall bid had failed and no further action would be taken on the matter. The commission has since issued a public notice outlining its findings and made the results available on its official website and social media platforms.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to due process and electoral transparency, Olumekun emphasized that the commission remains dedicated to upholding the integrity of democratic procedures in Nigeria.
