A political storm is brewing in Kogi Central Senatorial District as constituents have launched a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing dissatisfaction with her performance in office.
The process, which commenced in Okehi Local Government Area on Wednesday, witnessed a large turnout of electorates queuing up to register their support for her removal.
The recall, expected to last two days across all polling units in the five local governments of Kogi Central, requires constituents to sign a petition calling for the senator’s removal.
According to Nura Ibrahim, one of the participants, the move transcends party affiliations, as frustration has grown over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged failure to address key issues such as poverty, infrastructure, and education.
“The decision to initiate the recall process was not taken lightly,” Ibrahim said. “Key stakeholders have attempted to engage with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on several occasions, but our concerns were met with disdain and arrogance.”
However, allegations have surfaced that some constituents were misled into signing the recall petition. Reports suggest that a town crier went around Okehi on Tuesday, inviting people for an empowerment program, but upon arrival, they were allegedly asked to submit their voter card numbers in exchange for money.
Speaking on the matter, Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Longpet, denied any official knowledge of the recall, stating, “I am not aware of any recall process, apart from the unconfirmed reports flying about on social media. No one has contacted me about any recall in any part of the state.”
The recall process comes amid Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing six-month suspension from the Senate, following her altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The senator had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that further escalated tensions within the legislative chamber.
Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, a recall petition must be signed by more than half of the registered voters in the senator’s constituency.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will then verify the signatures before proceeding with further steps, which include a potential referendum to determine her fate.
As the process unfolds, all eyes are on INEC to determine the legitimacy of the recall effort, amid claims of manipulation and political maneuvering.
The fate of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan now rests in the hands of her constituents and the electoral commission’s next course of action.