Some constituents from the Kogi Central Senatorial District have submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting the recall of Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, the suspended lawmaker representing the district in the National Assembly.
The petition, presented by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents, was received at INEC’s headquarters by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Anthony, on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” the petition cites Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), along with INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.
The constituents stated, “This petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought following our loss of confidence in her ability to effectively represent us.”
They noted that although Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as the representative following an Appeal Court decision in October 2023, the petition stems from her constituents’ growing dissatisfaction with her performance.
The petitioners outlined their reasons, saying, “This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator due to gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behavior that has not only embarrassed the people of Kogi Central but also damaged the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions.”
The constituents further asserted that the petition, supported by signatures from more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, calls for INEC to immediately begin the constitutional and procedural process of recall and declare Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat vacant.
Additionally, the lawmaker, who was involved in a seat arrangement dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. In response, the Senate suspended her for six months due to alleged misconduct.
