Sandra Umar, a petitioner from Kogi Central, insists that efforts to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will resume once constitutional thresholds are met. Despite INEC’s ruling that the petition fell short, Umar argues that the process is ongoing, citing concerns about the lack of representation during Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate.
Despite a recent setback, Sandra Umar, a resident of Kogi Central and one of the petitioners, insists that the campaign to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is far from over. Speaking during an interview on TVC, Umar emphasized that efforts will continue once the constitutional requirements are fulfilled.
Earlier this year, members of the Kogi Central constituency had petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate a recall process against Akpoti-Uduaghan. Their grievance centered around the senator's six-month suspension from the National Assembly, which they claimed deprived them of representation.
INEC, however, ruled that the recall petition did not meet constitutional standards. Out of 474,554 registered voters in the district, only 208,132 signed the petition—amounting to 43.86%, falling short of the 50% plus one vote required. As a result, the commission stated it would not pursue further action.
Still, Umar maintained that the electoral body’s declaration did not terminate the process. “Once we meet the level of compliance required, the recall will proceed,” she said.
Umar also criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s handling of the situation, suggesting that an earlier apology in the Senate might have averted her suspension. Addressing the senator’s sexual harassment claims, she noted that such allegations remain personal until verified by credible evidence. Umar reiterated concerns that constituents would miss out on democratic benefits during the suspension, potentially lasting up to a year.
