A political storm is brewing in Kogi Central Senatorial District as registered voters have formally submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking the recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The petition, which was delivered on Monday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, was signed by Salihu Habib, the lead petitioner, on behalf of the Concerned Kogi Youth and Women group. According to the petitioners, Akpoti-Uduaghan has lost their confidence due to alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, and disregard for due process.
Citing Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution and INEC’s recall regulations, the group asserted that more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central had signed the petition, meeting the constitutional requirement to initiate a recall process.
“We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate,” the petition stated.
The group urged INEC to act swiftly and impartially, stressing that their demand aligns with the principles of democratic accountability, governance integrity, and the overall interest of Kogi Central.
Supporters Dismiss Political Influence, Insist on Change
Speaking to journalists after the submission, the lead petitioner, Salihu Habib, expressed confidence that this recall would be the first successful one in Nigeria’s history.
“This will be the first recall that succeeds. The good people of Kogi Central have spoken with one voice,” he declared. “We need a credible representative who truly represents the interests of Kogi Central.”
Habib dismissed speculations that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was behind the recall process, stating, “Bello is not here. Habib is here. Many youths are here. Many women are here. I can’t see Yahaya Bello here.”
Another petitioner, Charity Omole, emphasized the urgency of the recall process, warning that Kogi Central could not afford to be unrepresented in the Senate for another year.
“We are here to recall her so that we can have a functional representative. We cannot afford to be without a voice in the Senate for such a long period,” Omole stated. She also refuted allegations that the petitioners were sponsored, adding, “We voted for her, and we are saying we don’t want her anymore.”
Hamza Yakubu, another member of the group, called on INEC to act swiftly, urging the people of Kogi Central to remain calm as the process unfolds.
“My message to the people of Kogi Central is to understand that politics and good governance should be driven by logic, not emotions,” he said. “We are following due process, and this recall will be successful.”
As of the time of this report, INEC had not issued any official statement regarding the petition.
