The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, stating that it failed to meet the constitutional requirements.

In a statement released on Thursday via its official X handle, INEC clarified that the petition did not satisfy Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the signatures of more than half of the registered voters in a constituency for a recall process to proceed.

During its regular weekly meeting, INEC reviewed and approved a report on the physical count of the signatures submitted with the petition. The commission explained that for a recall to be valid, at least 237,278 signatures—representing more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central—were required. However, INEC’s verification exercise found that only 208,132 signatures, accounting for 43.86% of the electorate, were submitted—29,146 short of the constitutional threshold.

“Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the senator,” the statement read.

In accordance with Clause 2(d) of the 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, INEC has issued a Public Notice announcing the petition’s failure. A copy of the notice has also been sent to the Presiding Officer of the Senate.

The commission reiterated its commitment to fairness and transparency, explaining that the process followed three key steps: verification of petition submission, notification of the senator, and signature review. INEC has made the full breakdown of the signature review—disaggregated by local government areas—available on its website and social media platforms for public access.

With the petition failing to meet legal requirements, the recall process for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has officially been terminated.

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has annulled all ongoing procurement and tender processes initiated by the suspended administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara.

In a public announcement issued on Thursday, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, stated that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in procurement activities in 2025 must refund any fees already collected from contractors.

Decision Rooted in Legal Ruling

The directive follows a recent Supreme Court judgment that upheld the Appeal Court’s ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024. The court’s decision highlighted the absence of a valid Appropriation Law for the fiscal year, prompting the cancellation of all related financial commitments.

The statement read: “In adherence to the Supreme Court judgment upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, and in the absence of an Appropriation Law, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, wishes to notify the general public that all procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the period are hereby cancelled.”

Immediate Refund of Fees Ordered

All MDAs that had conducted tender processes for projects were instructed to “refund such tender fees to the respective contractors IMMEDIATELY.” The directive will remain in effect until a state spending plan is approved.

The decision is aimed at restoring fiscal order in Rivers State and ensuring compliance with financial and legal regulations.

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has expressed confidence that the party will reclaim the South-East in the 2027 general elections.

Wabara made this assertion while reacting to the return of Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, to the PDP. He described Edeoga’s return as a significant step towards rebuilding the party’s dominance in the region.

“The return of Edeoga is a bold step, and I commend him for it. This is a sign that the PDP is regaining strength in the South-East,” Wabara said in an interview with Vanguard.

He acknowledged that the PDP had lost control of some South-East states in the 2023 elections but expressed optimism that the party was regaining lost ground, with many former members returning.

Gov. Mbah’s Performance Strengthens PDP’s Prospects

Wabara praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, attributing his developmental achievements to the weakening opposition in the state.

“Governor Mbah has taken governance to a higher level, setting the pace in various areas. When a leader shows such capacity, the reasonable thing for the opposition to do is to support him,” he stated.

As the only PDP governor in the South-East, Mbah’s leadership, Wabara noted, has enhanced the party’s appeal in the region.

PDP Positions for 2027 Elections

Wabara also commended PDP lawmakers at both the national and state levels for their efforts in repositioning the party. He urged aggrieved members who defected after the 2023 elections to return and help strengthen the party ahead of 2027.

“Democracy is under siege in Nigeria, but the PDP remains the credible alternative for 2027. That is why we are focused on strengthening the party before the next elections,” he added.

The former Senate President maintained that Nigerians are looking to the PDP for leadership, and the party is working tirelessly to restore its dominance in national politics.