The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the review of a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The petition, submitted on behalf of the constituents by Charity Ijese, was received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking after receiving the petition, Oriaran-Anthony assured that the Commission would follow due process as outlined in the Constitution regarding the recall procedure.
The constituents claim that over 250,000 registered voters—more than half of the senatorial district’s electorate—signed the petition, thereby meeting the constitutional threshold for initiating a recall process.
The petition, titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” accuses the senator of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and deceitful behaviour.
The petition read in part, “We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.”
It further states, “This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarrassed the people of Kogi Central but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions.
“By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant.”
A representative of the Kogi Central constituents, Comrade Salihu Habeeb, expressed confidence in the recall process, stating that the community had united in calling for a more accountable representative.
“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,” he said.
Another representative, Comrade Hamza Yakubu, maintained that the recall effort was not driven by emotions but by logic and the best interests of the people.
“We believe that the recall process will be successful. The Commission should review the submitted petition and immediately move into action,” Yakubu stated.
Similarly, Ijese reiterated that the petition stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct and failure to effectively represent Kogi Central.
The recall petition follows a series of controversies surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She had earlier accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
On March 22, a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja lifted a restraining order that had previously prevented INEC from receiving the petition. The court ruled that the recall process was constitutionally valid, affirming the constituents’ right to initiate such a procedure. It also encouraged petitioners to continue exercising their rights peacefully.
Similarly, on Monday, a Federal High Court in Lokoja vacated an ex-parte injunction earlier granted to Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 20.
Justice Isa Dashen, who issued the new ruling, also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case. Dashen had earlier granted an interim injunction restraining INEC and its officials from receiving, accepting, or acting on any petition containing signatures of Kogi Central voters. The court had also barred INEC from conducting a referendum on the petition pending further determination.
However, INEC, through its counsel, Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), made an oral application for the injunction to be set aside and for an expedited hearing of the case.
Aliyu argued that, under the Constitution, the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to prevent INEC—a constitutional body—from carrying out its legal functions.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate regarding the incident that led to her suspension.
In a statement on Monday, she described the claims as “false and misleading,” maintaining her stance on the issue.
“The reports suggesting that I have apologised to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.
She also criticised those spreading the reports, accusing them of distorting the truth to mislead the public.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended after her disagreement with the Senate leadership, insisted that she remained committed to defending the rights of her constituents. She also accused certain individuals of attempting to manipulate public perception through false narratives.
“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent,” she stated.
She further alleged that there was a deliberate effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.
“This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives,” she added.
