Recall Petition Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: INEC's Notification and Legal Proceedings
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has recently been notified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding a petition seeking her recall from the Senate. The petition, which was submitted by a group of constituents, aims to remove her from office as per the provisions of Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). On March 26, 2025, INEC officially informed both the senator and the Senate leadership about the petition, signifying the start of the recall process.
The petition initially encountered some setbacks due to certain deficiencies, notably the lack of contact details for the petitioners' representatives. However, by March 26, the petitioners rectified these issues, enabling INEC to proceed with the verification process. INEC will now verify the submitted signatures to ensure that the petition is endorsed by over 50% of the registered voters in Kogi Central. This step is crucial for determining the legitimacy of the recall request. The outcome of this verification process will be made public in the coming days.
The recall effort comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct. She is currently serving a six-month suspension for alleged misconduct, which has fueled further discontent among some of her constituents. Many argue that her actions have prioritized personal interests over the well-being of Kogi Central, particularly pointing to her suspension and various allegations. These issues have led to growing calls for her removal.
In response to the recall petition, a Federal High Court in Lokoja has intervened, issuing an interim injunction that restrains INEC from taking further action on the recall petition until the court hears the matter on May 6, 2025. The court's decision will play a pivotal role in determining whether the recall process proceeds.
Constituents have rallied both in support and in opposition to the senator, with some expressing dissatisfaction with her representation and others questioning the legitimacy of the recall effort. Allegations of fraudulent signatures have surfaced, casting doubt on the true intentions behind the petition. Despite the challenges, INEC remains committed to ensuring transparency in the process, assuring the public that the recall procedure will adhere strictly to legal guidelines.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the signature verification process and the upcoming court hearing, which will ultimately determine the future of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s tenure in the Senate.