INEC Holds Crucial Meeting on Recall Process of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Tensions Rise as Over 250,000 Constituents Demand Immediate Recall
Embattled Senator Denies Apologizing to Senate Leadership, Reiterates Allegations of Harassment
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened a high-stakes meeting yesterday to deliberate on the recall process of embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. The meeting comes amid rising political tensions as over 250,000 constituents have signed a petition demanding her immediate removal from office.
Political Showdown at INEC Headquarters
A large crowd of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents stormed INEC headquarters in Abuja, presenting a petition calling for her recall. The petition, dated March 21, cites a loss of confidence in her leadership due to alleged “gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and deceitful behavior,” which they claim has tarnished both the Nigerian Senate and the democratic institutions of the nation.
The petitioners argue that their demand aligns with Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and INEC’s regulations on recall petitions. They emphasize that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who secured her Senate seat through a Court of Appeal verdict on October 31, 2023, no longer represents their interests.
Omole Charity, leader of the recall movement, asserted: “We voted her in, and we have now decided to recall her. Our voices must be heard.”
Judicial Twist: Conflicting Court Rulings
The recall process has been marred by conflicting court rulings. Last Thursday, a court granted an interim injunction preventing INEC from accepting or acting on the petition. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court in Lokoja overturned this ruling the following day, affirming that the recall process is constitutionally valid. The court urged all parties involved to exercise their civic rights in a peaceful and orderly manner.
INEC’s Response and Uncertain Path Forward
INEC’s Acting Director of Publicity, Esther Chibuikem, confirmed the ongoing deliberations, stating in a brief message: “The Commission is meeting on the Kogi recall process now.”
While INEC has not issued an official stance, the meeting underscores the weight of the recall demand and the legal complexities surrounding it. If INEC proceeds with the process, it could set a precedent for similar actions against lawmakers facing constituent dissatisfaction.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Fights Back, Denies Apology
Despite mounting pressure, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains defiant. Addressing recent claims that she apologized to Senate leadership over the controversy leading to her six-month suspension, the senator dismissed the reports as false and misleading.
In a strongly worded statement, she reaffirmed her stance on the allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and criticized attempts to manipulate public perception.
“The purported reports circulating that I have apologized 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.
Accusing unnamed individuals of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation, she urged the public to disregard false reports, reiterating her commitment to transparency, justice, and advocacy for women’s rights.
A Battle of Political Will
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate, which stemmed from her allegations against Akpabio, has fueled speculation about political victimization. She maintains that the move to recall her is a politically motivated attack designed to silence her.
“My allegations against Senate President Akpabio were not made lightly, and I will continue to seek justice and accountability. My six-month suspension is a clear case of political victimization, but I will not be deterred,” she vowed.
She further warned that the recall process could be weaponized as a tool for political retribution, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant against what she described as the corruption of democratic institutions.
What’s Next?
With INEC still deliberating, the fate of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate career remains uncertain. If the electoral body proceeds with the recall process, the political landscape in Kogi Central could witness a major shake-up, potentially triggering legal battles and setting new precedents for electoral accountability.
For now, the senator remains defiant, her constituents divided, and the nation watching closely as the drama unfolds.
Reference
INEC Holds Crucial Meeting on Recall Process of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan