Some constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have formally submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was recently suspended from the Senate.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The petition, presented by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents, was received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Anthony, at the commission’s headquarters on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” the document cites dissatisfaction with her representation, alleging misconduct and a failure to fulfill her legislative responsibilities.
Constituents Cite Loss of Confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan
The petitioners stated that the recall process is being pursued under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside INEC’s regulations on recall petitions.
“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behavior that has not only embarrassed the people of Kogi Central but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions,” they said.
According to them, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions have failed to reflect the aspirations of the district, leading to a widespread call for her removal.
“In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions,” the petitioners emphasized.
The group also claimed that they had gathered signatures from more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central to support the recall process. They called on INEC to initiate the necessary constitutional and procedural steps to remove her from office and declare her seat vacant.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension and Senate Controversy
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been at the center of a political storm in recent months. She was elected as the Senator representing Kogi Central following an Appeal Court decision in October 2023. However, her tenure has been marred by controversies, including a highly publicized dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The conflict escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. The allegation triggered significant backlash, ultimately leading to her six-month suspension from the Senate for alleged misconduct.
Her suspension further fueled tensions in Kogi Central, with some of her constituents expressing dissatisfaction with her approach to governance and legislative duties.
The Recall Process and Next Steps
The submission of the petition marks the first step in the recall process. According to Nigerian law, for a senator to be recalled, INEC must verify the signatures submitted by the petitioners. If the required percentage of voters is confirmed, a referendum will be conducted, where the majority of the electorate must vote in favor of the recall.
Political analysts note that the recall of a senator is a rare occurrence in Nigeria, as previous recall attempts have faced challenges such as legal battles, political interference, and logistical difficulties.
As the process unfolds, all eyes will be on INEC to determine the next course of action regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fate in the Senate.
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