A political storm is brewing in Kogi Central Senatorial District as some constituents have moved to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing dissatisfaction with her performance and a vote of no confidence in her representation.
The recall exercise, which commenced on Wednesday in Okehi Local Government Area, saw a large turnout of electorates reportedly eager to sign the petition seeking her removal.
According to the organizers, the initiative is being driven by growing concerns over her alleged failure to address key developmental issues, including poverty alleviation, infrastructure, and education.
However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the process, raising questions about the legitimacy of the recall attempt.
Constituents Express Frustration Over Senator’s Performance
One of the leading voices in the recall process, Nura Ibrahim, claimed that the decision was not politically motivated but rather a reflection of the widespread frustration among constituents.
“The decision to initiate the recall process was not taken lightly,” Ibrahim stated. “Key stakeholders have made multiple attempts to engage with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on issues affecting our people, but these efforts were met with disdain and arrogance.”
Reports indicate that the recall exercise will last for two days and will take place across all polling units in the five local government areas of Kogi Central. During this period, constituents will be required to append their signatures to a petition that will be presented to INEC, seeking the senator’s removal.
Allegations of Deception and Vote Buying
Despite claims of widespread support for the recall, reports have emerged suggesting that some constituents may have been tricked into participating. According to eyewitness accounts, a towncrier reportedly went around Okehi on Tuesday, announcing an empowerment program for residents.
However, when people arrived at the venue, they were allegedly asked to submit their voter card numbers in exchange for financial incentives, raising concerns that some signatures may have been obtained under false pretenses.
“This is not a genuine recall process,” said an anonymous resident. “Many people were lured with promises of money, only to realize they were signing a petition against the senator.”
Such claims, if proven true, could undermine the credibility of the exercise and raise legal questions about its validity.
INEC Denies Involvement in Recall Process
In the midst of the unfolding drama, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Longpet, has denied any knowledge of the recall exercise.
“I am not aware of any recall process, apart from the unconfirmed reports flying about on social media,” Longpet said when contacted. “No one has contacted me about any recall in any part of the state.”
According to INEC’s official guidelines, a recall process must follow a defined legal framework. A formal petition must be presented to the Chairman of INEC by representatives of the petitioners. Additionally, the lawmaker being recalled must be formally notified in writing, and the presiding officer of the relevant legislative house must be copied. The recall petition must also be published on INEC’s official website.
Without INEC’s recognition and proper legal backing, the current recall process may struggle to achieve any official outcome.
Political Context: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate Suspension
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate following a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Her suspension stemmed from allegations that she violated Senate rules during a face-off with Akpabio. In a controversial twist, Akpoti-Uduaghan later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, a claim that further escalated tensions within the legislative body.
Her supporters argue that the recall effort is politically motivated and a direct attempt to silence her. They believe that powerful political forces, including allies of Akpabio, may be behind the move to remove her from office.
Legal and Political Implications of the Recall Attempt
If the recall process is to succeed, it must meet strict constitutional requirements. Under Section 69 of the Nigerian Constitution, a recall petition must be signed by at least 50% of the registered voters in the senator’s constituency. INEC is then required to verify the signatures and conduct a referendum, where a simple majority of voters must affirm the recall before it becomes effective.
However, given INEC’s disavowal of the current process, it is unclear whether the recall attempt will gain legal traction. Political analysts suggest that the exercise may fizzle out unless the petitioners follow due process.
Moreover, the controversy surrounding the recall effort could deepen political divisions within Kogi Central. Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan view the move as a politically motivated witch hunt, while her opponents insist that it is a necessary step to hold her accountable.
With the recall process already mired in allegations of deception and political maneuvering, the coming days will be critical in determining its fate. If INEC refuses to recognize the exercise, the petitioners may be forced to restart the process through official channels.
For Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, this development represents yet another challenge in an already tumultuous tenure. Whether she survives this recall attempt or not, the political landscape in Kogi Central remains deeply polarized.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether this recall effort is a genuine expression of public dissatisfaction or a politically engineered strategy to remove a controversial senator.
