Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Process
Tempers flared at the Senate on Tuesday during a hearing on a sexual harassment petition filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The session, held by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Petitions, quickly spiraled into heated confrontations, particularly between lawmakers and former Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raised concerns over procedural lapses in the ongoing petition to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, citing non-compliance with stipulated guidelines.
Showdown at Senate Hearing
The proceedings were set to deliberate on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment claims against Akpabio, which emerged following her controversial six-month suspension by the Senate. The Kogi lawmaker had accused Akpabio of orchestrating her removal as a form of political vendetta after she allegedly rejected his advances.
Signs of discord at the hearing became evident when one of the petitioners, Suberu Yakubu, along with his legal counsel, Abiola Akinyode, and Ezekwesili, accused the committee of bias. Yakubu further demanded that the committee chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, recuse himself over alleged impartiality.
“How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position? What is the need for us to present our case when a verdict has already been given before hearing us?” Yakubu questioned.
His comments angered the lawmakers, who berated him for attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility. The situation escalated when Ezekwesili, present as a witness, insisted on being heard, prompting a shouting match between her and Ebonyi North Senator Peter Nwebonyi.
“You can’t sit there as senators and ask me not to talk,” Ezekwesili retorted, to which Nwebonyi fired back, “You must be a fool, a fool at 70. Who are you?”
The exchange prompted Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo West) to intervene, appealing for decorum. “This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not a marketplace,” he cautioned.
Following the tense back-and-forth, the hearing was abruptly adjourned indefinitely, with the committee citing ongoing legal cases involving both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio’s wife.
Addressing journalists after the session, Ezekwesili condemned the proceedings, arguing that the Senate had placed its internal rules above constitutional provisions. She called for an independent panel to investigate the matter, warning that allowing the Senate to handle the case internally could set a dangerous precedent for democratic governance.
INEC Flags Flaws in Recall Process
While Akpoti-Uduaghan battled political headwinds at the Senate, INEC delivered a temporary reprieve by questioning the validity of the recall petition filed against her by some of her constituents.
A group led by Charity Omole had submitted a petition demanding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal, claiming it was endorsed by over 250,000 registered voters from Kogi Central. However, in a statement on Tuesday, INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, disclosed that the petitioners failed to meet crucial requirements outlined in the commission’s 2024 recall regulations.
“The petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s), or email address(es) as stipulated in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024,” Olumekun noted.
Additionally, INEC raised concerns about the petitioners’ failure to specify clear contact details, stating that only the lead petitioner’s phone number was provided, with no verifiable addresses.
“The address given is simply ‘Okene, Kogi State,’ which does not meet the required standards. As a result, the commission is exploring alternative ways to notify the representatives of the petitioners of this shortcoming,” the statement added.
Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, for a recall process to advance, at least 50% of registered voters in a senatorial district must sign a petition, which is then subjected to verification and a referendum. However, INEC has stated that it will not proceed with further action unless the petition meets all necessary criteria.
PDP Accuses Akpabio of Orchestrating Recall Effort
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Senate President Akpabio of being the mastermind behind the recall attempt. The party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, alleged that Akpabio was using political machinations to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“I have no doubt that Akpabio is behind this recall effort. Instead of addressing governance issues, he is spending resources to fight personal battles,” Osadolor claimed.
He further argued that the signatures submitted in support of the recall were likely falsified. “Where did they get those numbers? In a country where voter turnout barely exceeds 50%, suddenly, we have over 250,000 signatories? This is nothing but a political witch-hunt,” he added.
A PDP chieftain from Kogi Central, Abdrahman Badamasuyi, echoed similar sentiments, dismissing the recall petition as a “doctored document” that would not stand legal scrutiny.
Legal Battle Intensifies as Federal High Court Judge Steps Aside
In a related development, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court withdrew from hearing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case against the Senate, citing allegations of bias from Akpabio’s legal team. The Kogi senator had sought judicial intervention to prevent the Senate from continuing disciplinary actions against her.
Egwuatu had previously issued an order restraining the Senate from investigating her, but later reversed the decision following fresh arguments from the defendants.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the judge announced his recusal, stating, “The case file will be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed contempt proceedings against the Senate after her suspension, arguing that the move was unconstitutional. However, with the judge stepping aside, the case remains in limbo, adding another layer of uncertainty to the embattled senator’s political future.
What Next?
With the Senate embroiled in controversy, INEC scrutinizing the recall process, and the judiciary now hesitant to wade into the dispute, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fate remains uncertain. However, the unfolding events have raised broader concerns about gender, power dynamics, and political accountability in Nigeria’s legislative affairs.
For now, all eyes remain on the next moves by the key players in this political saga.
