A group of registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate the recall process of suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The petition, submitted on Monday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, was signed by the lead petitioner, Salihu Habib. The petitioners, operating under the name Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, cited a loss of confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership. They urged INEC to act swiftly and impartially in upholding democratic accountability, governance integrity, and the interests of Kogi Central constituents.
“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 read.
The group referenced Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and INEC’s recall regulations as the legal basis for their demand. They alleged that the senator engaged in gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a disregard for due process. According to them, more than half of the district’s registered voters signed the petition, meeting the constitutional requirement for a recall.
The petitioners demanded that INEC promptly initiate the recall process and declare Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat vacant.
Speaking to reporters after the submission, lead petitioner Salihu Habib expressed confidence in the process, calling it a historic moment for Nigeria.
“This will be the first successful recall in Nigeria. The good people of Kogi Central have spoken with one voice. We need a credible senator who truly represents our interests,” he said.
Habib dismissed claims that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was behind the recall effort.
“Bello is not here. The people of Kogi Central are here. This is the will of the people,” he stated.
A member of the group, Charity Omole, emphasized the urgency of the recall process, stating that Kogi Central could not afford to be without representation in the Senate.
“We cannot go another six months without a senator. We have met all constitutional requirements, and we urge INEC to act accordingly,” she said.
Omole also refuted allegations of external sponsorship, insisting that the recall was a grassroots movement.
“We voted her in, and now we are saying we don’t want her anymore,” she declared.
Another petitioner, Hamza Yakubu, called on INEC to expedite the review process while urging constituents to remain calm.
“Politics and governance should be driven by logic, not emotions. What we are doing is in line with the people’s will,” Yakubu said.
The petition now awaits INEC’s review and decision on the next steps in the recall process.
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