The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially received a petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The petition was submitted by her constituents, with over 200,000 registered voters reportedly signing in support, exceeding the constitutional requirement.
The petition follows a series of contentious events, including Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she previously accused of sexual harassment.
Upon receiving the petition, INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony affirmed the commission’s commitment to adhering to due process as outlined by the Constitution regarding the recall procedure. She indicated that the petition would be processed accordingly.
Representatives from Kogi Central expressed confidence in the recall effort, criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan for her lack of engagement with constituents. Comrade Salihu Habeeb stated, “We need a credible representative,” while Comrade Hamza Yakubu emphasized that the recall process reflects the community’s needs rather than emotions.
A Federal High Court in Lokoja recently lifted a restraining order that had previously prevented INEC from processing the recall petition, affirming the constituents’ constitutional rights to initiate such a process. This ruling clears the way for INEC to proceed with the recall.
