The Chatham House Group, Kogi Central, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for upholding the principles of justice, transparency, and constitutional propriety in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
This was made known in a public statement by the Chatham House Group, a sociopolitical think-tank made up of young professionals from Kogi state.
This followed the press release from INEC yesterday striking out the petition for the recall of the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The group commended INEC for its resolute and impartial decision to strike out the baseless and sham petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“This decision is a bold testament to INEC’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice, transparency, and constitutional propriety in Nigeria’s democratic process” said Abdulrahman Zulqarnien Ozovehe, the group’s convener in the statement.
Continuing, the group opined that INEC’s adherence to the constitutional requirements, as outlined in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution, underscores its role as a guardian of electoral integrity.
“By rejecting a petition that failed to meet the legal threshold, INEC has demonstrated its independence and reinforced the sanctity of the democratic process. This decision does not only protects the mandate freely given by the people of Kogi Central but also sends a strong message against the misuse of democratic tools for partisan or undemocratic purposes.”
As a nation still nurturing its democratic institutions, Chatham House Group opined that Nigeria relies on the steadfastness of institutions like INEC to ensure that the will of the people remains inviolable stating that “the Commission’s decision is a victory for democracy and a reminder that our electoral processes must be guided by fairness, legality, and the collective interest of the people.”
On the threat by the “so-called faceless and conveniently anonymous constituents to proceed with the recall process despite INEC’s rejection of their puerile initial attempt”, Chatham House reiterated thus, “as an intellectual organization committed to justice, transparency, and democratic values, we urge all citizens to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of actions that may undermine the political stability and progress of our state.”
“A recall process, as outlined in Section 69 of the Nigerian Constitution, is a democratic tool meant to express the collective dissatisfaction of constituents. In view of this, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Eid homecoming to Ihima, Okehi local government area of Kogi state from all indications, portrays a contrary image—as she was received and celebrated by hundreds of thousands of members of her constituency; thus showing their resolute and irrevocable support to the People’s Heroine, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to continue serving as their duly elected Senator and representative in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly till 2027 and beyond”, Chatham House Group explained, even as it urge the “overly loud minority” behind the sham Recall process to accept INEC’s verdict on their illegal moves, and not put themselves and their shadow sponsors into further public ridicule and embarrassment.
The group urged all stakeholders to draw lessons from the recent developments and to commit to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, hailing INEC’s verdict which put an empathic final nail in the lid of what was a politically motivated Recall process against an outstanding and effective representative of the people like Senator Barrister Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Chatham House Group reaffirmed their dedication to promoting justice, transparency, and democratic values in Kogi State and beyond.
