Constituents from Kogi Central have submitted a petition to INEC seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan due to her suspension from the Senate. With over 250,000 signatures, the petition calls for the restoration of representation in the district, initiating the formal recall process as per constitutional law.
In Kogi Central, tensions are rising as constituents have submitted a formal petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This move comes after her suspension from the Senate on March 6, 2025, due to allegations of "gross misconduct" following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Charity Omole, a representative of the concerned constituents, confirmed that the petition had been filed to ensure that the district isn't left without proper representation in the Senate. "We can't afford to be without a representative. INEC must follow the constitutional process so the recall can begin," Omole stated during a press briefing.
Despite rumors that external forces might be behind the petition, Omole firmly denied these claims, stressing that the decision stemmed from the people of Kogi Central themselves. "Nobody is bankrolling us or has a personal issue with her; this is purely about representation," she clarified.
The petition has garnered overwhelming support from the electorate, with over 250,000 signatures from the 488,000 registered voters in the district. Omole expressed confidence that INEC would review the petition and follow due process for the recall procedure, which includes verification of the signatures and a subsequent referendum.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which occurred shortly after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, has fueled further controversy. However, her supporters argue that the recall petition is politically motivated, dismissing it as an attempt to silence a voice they believe challenges the status quo.
INEC is now tasked with ensuring that the process unfolds according to the law, and while the outcome remains uncertain, the political ramifications could be significant for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and the larger political landscape in Kogi State.
