The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially received a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, marking a significant step in a growing political battle in Kogi Central.
The petition, submitted on Monday, was received by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, who assured that INEC would follow due process as outlined in the Constitution.
The recall effort comes in the wake of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s controversial suspension from the Senate on March 6 over alleged “gross misconduct.”
Her suspension followed a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she had previously accused of sexual harassment, further fueling the political rift.
According to the petitioners, the recall process has met all constitutional requirements, with over 200,000 registered voters more than half of the district’s electorate signing in favor of removing Akpoti-Uduaghan from office.
The move signals widespread discontent among constituents who accuse the senator of neglecting their concerns and failing to provide effective representation.
Comrade Salihu Habeeb, a representative of the Kogi Central constituency, expressed confidence that this recall effort would be the first successful one in Nigeria’s political history.
He emphasized that the people of Kogi Central had spoken with one voice and were determined to secure a more accountable representative.
According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan had failed to engage with her constituents, offering little to no response to pressing community issues.
Comrade Hamza Yakubu, another key advocate for the recall, insisted that the process was not fueled by personal grievances but rather by the collective needs of the people.
He urged INEC to act swiftly, reviewing the petition and initiating the recall procedures without delay.
With the petition now in INEC’s hands, all eyes are on the electoral body to determine the next steps in what could become a historic political showdown.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s response to the recall attempt remains to be seen, but the battle over her Senate seat is far from over.
[punch]