A group of constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District, formally submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended lawmaker representing the district in the National Assembly.
The petition, presented by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents, was received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Anthony, at the Commission’s headquarters on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Titled “Constituent’s Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence”, the petition outlines concerns regarding the senator’s performance and conduct in office.
The constituents stated, “This petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.”
While acknowledging that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was secured following an Appeal Court ruling in October 2023, the petitioners expressed their deep dissatisfaction with her representation.
They emphasized that the petition stems from a loss of confidence in her leadership, citing several issues that have contributed to the public’s disillusionment with her.
“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator due to gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behavior 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,” the petition reads.
The constituents further asserted that the petition has garnered the support of over half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, adding weight to their call for action.
“By this petition, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately initiate the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant,” they stated.
The petition comes amid an ongoing dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The senator had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, a controversy that led to her suspension from the Senate for six months due to misconduct.
As the petition moves through INEC’s review process, the outcome of this recall effort will be closely watched by both political observers and constituents of Kogi Central.
