The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the receipt of a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the Secretary to the Commission, acknowledged the petition on Monday, confirming that it was submitted by constituents who claim to have met the constitutional requirements for initiating a recall process.
The petitioners assert that the signed petition includes the support of more than one-half of the registered voters in the Kogi Central senatorial district, totaling over 200,000 individuals.
The recall petition stems from a series of controversies involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including her suspension from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She had also previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Upon receiving the petition, Oriaran-Anthony assured that INEC, as a legally established institution, would adhere to the due process outlined in the Constitution regarding the recall process. She confirmed that the petition would be processed accordingly.
Comrade Salihu Habeeb, a representative of the Kogi Central constituents, expressed confidence in the success of the recall effort, stating that the community is united in its demand for a more accountable representative. He criticized Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for her alleged lack of engagement with her constituents, claiming she has not addressed their concerns.
“From the process, the Kogi Central Indigenous people have carried out so far, this would be the first recall that will be successful. We have spoken with one voice. We need a credible representative,” Habeeb stated.
Comrade Hamza Yakubu, another representative, emphasized that the recall process is driven by logic and the needs of the people, not emotions. He urged INEC to act promptly on the petition.
“We believe that the recall process will be successful. The commission should review the submitted petition and immediately move into action,” Yakubu noted.
Charity Jesse, representing Kogi Youths and Women, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the petition is a response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct and her failure to effectively represent the interests of Kogi Central.
On March 22, a Federal High Court in Lokoja lifted a restraining order that had previously prevented INEC from receiving the petition. The court ruled that the recall process is constitutionally valid, affirming the constituents’ rights to initiate such a procedure. The court had earlier issued an interim injunction halting INEC from processing the petition or conducting a referendum related to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall, but the recent ruling now permits the commission to proceed.
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