Kogi Central Constituents Move to Recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
A political storm is brewing in Kogi Central as some constituents have reportedly initiated a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the senatorial district in the National Assembly.
Videos circulating on social media on Wednesday depict constituents queuing to append their signatures as part of the recall initiative. A source within the state, who requested anonymity, confirmed to TheCable that the process is indeed underway. The source further disclosed that significant mobilization efforts have been made to gather support for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal.
Background to the Recall Effort
The recall process follows recent controversies surrounding the embattled senator. Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that has sparked heated political debates. Additionally, she was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” after a seating arrangement dispute with Akpabio escalated.
Legal Framework for Recall
The process of recalling a senator in Nigeria is outlined in Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The procedure is rigorous, requiring the active participation of registered voters from the affected senatorial district, as well as oversight by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Steps in the Recall Process
The recall exercise is expected to span two days across all polling units in the five local government areas (LGAs) of Kogi Central. During this period, constituents will be required to sign a petition addressed to INEC, formally calling for the senator’s removal from office.
Once INEC receives the petition, it must undertake a thorough verification process to confirm whether the signatories are indeed registered voters in the senatorial district. If the required threshold is met, the electoral body will proceed with further stages of the recall, including a referendum.
Political and Public Reactions
The recall process has further deepened the political tensions surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose tenure in the Senate has been marred by controversies. While her supporters view the recall move as politically motivated, her critics argue that it reflects the dissatisfaction of constituents with her representation.
The coming days will determine whether the recall process gains the necessary traction or fizzles out due to constitutional and procedural hurdles. Meanwhile, political analysts are watching closely as events unfold in Kogi Central, a region known for its volatile political landscape.
Reference
Kogi Central Constituents Move to Recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan