The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the review process for a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The petition, submitted by Charity Ijese on behalf of constituents, was received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking after receiving the petition, Oriaran-Anthony assured that INEC would strictly follow the due process outlined in the Constitution regarding recall proceedings.
According to the petitioners, over 250,000 registered voters—more than half of the senatorial district’s electorate—signed the petition, meeting the constitutional requirements for recall. The petition alleges gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a failure to effectively represent constituents.
A representative of the petitioners, Comrade Salihu Habeeb, expressed confidence in the recall effort, stating that the people of Kogi Central had spoken with one voice in their demand for more accountable leadership.
“We have gathered more than the required signatures, and we are confident that this will be the first successful recall in Nigeria,” Habeeb stated.
Another petitioner, Comrade Hamza Yakubu, urged INEC to act swiftly, emphasizing that the process was driven by logic, not emotions.
The recall petition follows a series of controversies surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, including her suspension from the Senate on March 6 after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The senator had earlier accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, adding to the political tensions.
On March 22, a Federal High Court in Lokoja lifted a restraining order that had previously stopped INEC from receiving the petition. The ruling reaffirmed the constituents’ constitutional rights to initiate a recall.
Similarly, on Monday, the same court, presided over by Justice Isa Dashen, vacated an ex-parte injunction that had halted the recall process. INEC’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), successfully argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to prevent a constitutional body from performing its duties.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied reports that she apologized to the Senate regarding the issue that led to her suspension.
“The reports suggesting that I have apologized to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue,” she said in a statement on Monday.
She accused certain individuals of spreading falsehoods to mislead the public and reiterated her commitment to standing by her words and actions.
“This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or silenced by false narratives,” she added.
As the recall process unfolds, all eyes remain on INEC and the legal proceedings that could determine the political fate of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
