Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has expressed gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting the recall petition against her, describing the process as a failed attempt by political adversaries to undermine her mandate. The senator, in a statement released on Thursday, hailed INEC’s decision as a triumph for justice and constitutional integrity.
INEC had earlier declared that the recall petition did not meet the constitutional requirements stipulated in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This announcement effectively put an end to the recall process, which had been marred by allegations of manipulation and fraudulent practices. The electoral body revealed that the petition failed to garner sufficient support from registered voters in Kogi Central, despite initial claims by petitioners.
Reacting to the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan commended INEC for standing firm against external pressures and ensuring that democratic principles prevailed. She described the recall effort as a “fake process” orchestrated by political groups and individuals seeking to destabilize her tenure in the Senate. The senator specifically mocked former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, whom she accused of being one of the masterminds behind the failed initiative.
“God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall from the Senate, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC, former governor Yahaya Bello. All along, I did not exercise any fear because I have a God that never fails, and I have people on my side,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
She further emphasized that INEC’s rejection of the petition was a victory against injustice and manipulation. “The decision to reject the recall process is justice against injustice. INEC has proven to be truly independent, and history will never forget this justice. I commend the umpire for shaming shameless agents of darkness and setting the record straight according to the laws of our land.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also used the opportunity to reaffirm her commitment to serving her constituents and fighting for justice. She vowed to continue championing causes that would uplift Kogi Central and Nigeria at large while warning her detractors that their days in politics were numbered. “To God be the glory, we have defeated them again. This development is another record-breaking victory against those who prefer coming from the backyard—the manipulators, election riggers, violent merchants, and their allies in Kogi Central and beyond.”
The senator’s statement comes amid widespread speculation about political motives behind the recall bid. Allegations had surfaced that some voters were deceived into signing the petition under false pretenses. Additionally, a Federal High Court in Lokoja had earlier issued an interim injunction restraining INEC from acting on any recall petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan due to concerns over fraudulent signatures.
Despite these controversies, INEC’s decision has been widely viewed as a significant step towards safeguarding democratic processes in Nigeria. For Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters, it marks yet another milestone in their fight against political manipulation and oppression in Kogi Central.
