Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing its failure to meet constitutional requirements.
In an official statement released via its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, INEC clarified that the petition did not satisfy the provisions of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution,” the electoral body stated.
The recall process, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, requires a petition signed by at least half of the registered voters in the affected constituency. INEC did not provide further details on the specific deficiencies in the submitted petition.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was elected to the Senate in the 2023 general elections. The recall attempt has sparked political debate in Kogi State, with supporters and opponents weighing in on the development.
As the situation unfolds, INEC has reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional and electoral guidelines in handling such petitions.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled that the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, does not meet constitutional requirements.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, INEC confirmed:
> “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
This announcement effectively halts the recall process against the senator, as the petitioners failed to fulfill the necessary legal criteria.
*” A person who makes a claim in equity must be free from any taint of fraud with respect to that claim”* and in the light of the above, Sir Azuka Okwuosa is a true definition of that Man with clean hands.
There is no doubt that Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa is eminently qualified and rightly positioned to lead Anambra South to the Senate having served Anambra State in various capacities as former local government chairman in Nnewi and as a two term Commissioner of Works and Transport respectively.
Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa is an accomplished technocrat with vast experience in oil and gas, real estate, asset management, community service and leadership. His aspiration is driven by a passion to serve humanity based on justice, equity and fairness. Without a doubt, he will represent Anambra South excellently in the Senate and bring justice, growth and development to the people.
To make this clear, it is important to note that Anambra South has three established blocs: the old Aguata, the old Nnewi and the Ihiala blocs. Any other structuring of the zone serves an interest inimical to the dictates of equity and fairness and is averse to the development of the zone.
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FCT Residents Demand Political Autonomy, Urge Tinubu’s Intervention
Indigenous people and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have united in a strong call to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to address what they describe as a governance system that undermines their rights. They demand a restructuring that allows them to elect their leaders, including a governor, to ensure full political representation.
At a recent gathering in Abuja, community leaders and stakeholders expressed growing frustration with the current structure, emphasizing that the FCT should not merely serve as a political battleground for parties but as a true representation of Nigeria’s diversity.
A Cry for True Representation
Speaking at the event, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, leader of the Senior Citizens Forum, acknowledged the infrastructural improvements under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike but insisted that governance must go beyond physical development.
“We recognize the changes Wike has brought, but governance is not just about roads and bridges. The people of Abuja deserve the right to elect their leaders, not remain under an imposed system that does not truly serve them,” Dara stated.
He criticized the reliance on appointed officials, arguing that it creates a disconnect between the government and the people.
“It is time for us to have leaders who answer directly to us. Our voices must count, and our choices must be respected,” he added.
Rejecting Political Marginalization
While acknowledging Wike’s achievements, residents emphasized that infrastructure without democratic representation is inadequate.
“We are not satisfied with a system that denies us the right to elect our own leaders. This is a fundamental issue of justice and equality,” said Dara.
The residents accused certain political figures of deliberately resisting change to maintain control.
“These individuals fear accountability, which is why they insist on keeping a flawed system in place,” he said.
Appeal to President Tinubu
The residents called on President Tinubu to take decisive action against those obstructing political reforms in the FCT.
“Mr. President, this is an opportunity for you to leave a legacy of justice. Stand against those who exploit Abuja for their selfish interests,” Dara urged.
He also reminded Tinubu that concerns had been raised when Wike was appointed, emphasizing that while physical transformation is important, political inclusion is even more critical.
“A truly progressive FCT requires both development and representation. Like every other state in Nigeria, we deserve an elected government and legislature,” he said.
A Movement for Change
The meeting ended with a collective resolution to intensify advocacy efforts. Residents plan to organize rallies, outreach programs, and engagements to push for self-governance.
“This city belongs to all Nigerians, not just to political elites. We will not rest until we have a government chosen by the people, a legislature that understands our needs, and a political system that upholds our rights,” Dara declared.
As their voices grow louder, FCT residents remain resolute in their demand for political reforms, urging President Tinubu to act swiftly in restoring true democratic governance to the nation’s capital.
Abuja, April 2, 2025 – Nigeria has taken a significant leadership role in Africa’s data protection landscape, as Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has been appointed Chair of the Anglophone Countries Committee of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA).
The appointment was confirmed during a committee meeting held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. According to a statement issued by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations at NDPC, the Committee serves as a key platform for strengthening data privacy and protection efforts among English-speaking African nations.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Olatunji expressed his gratitude for the confidence placed in Nigeria’s leadership at a time when Africa is prioritizing data protection for its over 1.4 billion citizens in the global digital economy.
“This appointment is not just for Nigeria but for the collective advancement of data protection across Africa. Our work is crucial in safeguarding the privacy rights of individuals while fostering innovation and digital growth,” Olatunji stated.
He also emphasized the need for collaboration among member countries, urging stakeholders to view data protection as a shared responsibility with long-term benefits for the continent.
Nigeria is also set to host the 2025 NADPA Annual General Meeting and Conference from May 6 to May 8, 2025. Themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” the conference will highlight Nigeria’s progress in building a sustainable digital economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
With this new role, Nigeria is poised to play a crucial part in shaping Africa’s data governance policies, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring a secure and privacy-conscious digital environment.
ABUJA – The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and its gubernatorial candidate, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, challenging the election of Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State.
A three-member panel of the Tribunal ruled that the petition lacked merit and was frivolous. It also determined that Omoaje had no legal standing to file the case.
The Tribunal found that Omoaje’s claim—centered on not being recognized as the National Chairman of the Action Alliance for the purpose of nominating a candidate—had no basis under the Electoral Act 2022.
Furthermore, the panel emphasized that Omoaje did not participate in the election and, therefore, lacked the authority to contest its validity.
In a bid to enhance healthcare services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has approved the employment of 34 Resident Doctors for a seven-year fixed-term Residency Training program.
This marks the first phase of the recruitment of 60 Medical Residency Trainees across eight specialties in FCT hospitals, as sanctioned by the Minister.
Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, describing it as a significant step toward improving medical services in the territory.
“This is the first time such an initiative is being carried out outside the Health Management Board, expanding opportunities for doctors and bringing more competent professionals into the FCT healthcare system,” Olayinka stated.
The newly recruited doctors are distributed as follows: five in Psychiatry, four in Internal Medicine, one in General Surgery, one in Anesthesiology, eight in Family Medicine, six in Ophthalmology, and nine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Olayinka further disclosed that the FCTA Civil Service Commission would soon commence the recruitment process for the remaining 26 Resident Doctors, covering one position in Psychiatry, four in Internal Medicine, eight in General Surgery, five in Anesthesiology, and eight in Paediatrics.
The move is expected to bridge the manpower gap in FCT hospitals and improve access to quality healthcare for residents.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Galadiman Kano and a senior kingmaker of the Kano Emirate.
The late Sanusi, who held his revered title since 1959, passed away at the age of 92 after a protracted illness, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The presidency noted that the late traditional leader is survived by many children and grandchildren, including Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
President Tinubu described Sanusi as a “strong pillar of the traditional institution, whose contributions to its survival and development will be remembered far beyond the Kano Emirate and Kano State.”
The President extended his condolences to the government and people of Kano State, the Kano Emirate Council, and the bereaved family, describing the loss as “irreparable.”
He prayed to Allah to grant the late Galadima eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and to comfort his family during this difficult time.
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has strongly criticized the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, for allegedly orchestrating a recall process against her using fabricated constituents.
In a statement on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed gratitude to her supporters and Nigerians who defied intimidation to welcome her in large numbers. She assured them of her unwavering commitment to their mandate and promised to continue serving with dedication.
Massive Support Despite Government Ban
Supporters from the five local government areas of Kogi Central gathered early in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, to receive the senator, despite an official ban on rallies and processions. The overwhelming turnout underscored her popularity and the people’s resistance to what she described as political oppression.
Accusations Against Yahaya Bello
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to disclose the source of the alleged names used in the recall petition. She asserted that all available evidence points to Bello as the mastermind behind the move, accusing him of orchestrating a political vendetta against her.
The senator recalled Bello’s previous actions during the 2023 general elections, when he was accused of sponsoring multiple attacks against her while she was a candidate.
Condemnation of Political Manipulation
She described the recall attempt as another desperate effort to undermine her mandate.
“I advise the former governor to focus on clearing his name over allegations of fraudulent diversion of N89.2 billion, instead of attempting to destabilize the mandate given to me by the people of Kogi Central,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further criticized Bello for continuing his alleged political machinations despite facing corruption allegations.
“His actions before and during the last general elections, where he sponsored numerous attacks against me, are well documented. This recall attempt is nothing but another ploy to undermine the people’s will,” she stated.
A Strong Message to Opponents
The senator emphasized that the massive support she received proves her popularity in Kogi Central.
“The powers that be tried to suppress the will of the people, but my people emphatically said no—no to injustice, no to the oppression of women, no to a fake recall, no to Yahaya Bello and his allies,” she declared.
She thanked her supporters for resisting intimidation and noted that her political opponents had only succeeded in making themselves more unpopular.
“I will do more for my people. I will not betray them. I will continue to give my best, and they should be assured of my unwavering representation at all times,” she pledged.
President Bola Tinubu is set to depart for Paris, France, today for a brief working visit. The trip was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement released on Wednesday.
During his visit, President Tinubu will conduct a review of his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones. The retreat will also provide an opportunity to evaluate the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning in preparation for the second anniversary of his administration.
“The period of reflection will inform plans to strengthen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development goals in the year ahead,” the statement read.
Onanuga further highlighted the administration’s recent economic achievements, particularly the significant growth in Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. The Central Bank of Nigeria recently reported a notable increase in net foreign exchange reserves, reaching $23.11 billion—up from $3.99 billion in 2023—demonstrating the success of fiscal reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership.
While in France, President Tinubu will remain in close contact with his team and continue to monitor governance activities. He is expected to return to Nigeria in approximately two weeks.
