Natasha’s Recall: Rights Group Urges INEC To Maintain Impartiality

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed concern over recent moves to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain impartiality, uphold democratic values, and resist being manipulated as tool for political victimization.

Executive Director of the group, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi in press statement signed said there are plans to silence Senator Natasha Akpoti politically through the orchestrated recall.

“It is noteworthy that INEC has earlier acknowledged procedural irregularities associated with the recall petition for Senator Natasha. According to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a senator can only be recalled under specific circumstances.

“A petition must be submitted to INEC, requiring signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the senator’s constituency, clearly indicating a loss of confidence in the senator’s capacity to serve. INEC is responsible for verifying the legitimacy of the collected signatures to ensure they are valid and represent actual voters. Following this verification, INEC is mandated to conduct a referendum within 90 days, where a simple majority of voters must support the recall for it to succeed.

“It is therefore concerning that INEC, which initially dismissed the recall petition due to inconsistencies and non-compliance with constitutional stipulations, has altered its position within a mere three days.

“We strongly urge the INEC to prioritize democratic principles and the Rule of Law by promptly conducting a comprehensive review of the recall petition. Should any discrepancies, fraudulent signatures, or procedural irregularities be identified during this assessment, it is imperative that INEC withdraws the recall notice.

“If the recall process continues, it is vital that INEC carries it out with the utmost neutrality, professionalism, and transparency, while ensuring close monitoring by civil society organizations and the media. Additionally, INEC must acknowledge that its activities, including this recall process, are financed by taxpayer funds,” the statement added.