Kogi Central Constituents Petition INEC To Recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Some residents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin the process of recalling their representative, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The petition, submitted by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents, was received by INEC Secretary Rose Anthony at the commission’s headquarters on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” the document cites dissatisfaction with the senator’s performance and conduct.

The petitioners referenced Section 69 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and INEC’s recall guidelines, stating that Natashaa Akpoti initially secured her seat following a Court of Appeal ruling in October 2023.

However, they claimed her actions in office have led to widespread disapproval among voters.

The petitioners asserted that the document had been signed by more than half of Kogi Central’s registered voters, urging INEC to initiate the recall process and declare the senator’s seat vacant.

The constituents said, “In particular, 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), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.”

“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarassed the people of Kogi Central but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions.

“By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant.”

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was recently suspended from the Senate for six months following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.

The Kogi lawmaker later accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, which further escalated tensions in the legislative chamber.