The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun reviewing a petition that seeks the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. Charity Ijese, acting on behalf of the constituents, submitted the petition at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. The Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, in response, acknowledged the petition and assured that due process would be strictly followed in line with constitutional provisions. The constituents claim that over 250,000 registered voters, constituting more than half of the senatorial district electorate, signed the petition, fulfilling the constitutional requirement for a recall.
Furthermore, the petition cited various allegations, including misconduct, abuse of office, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour, as reasons for their demand. The constituents argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s tenure has been marked by controversy, including her recent suspension from the Senate. The petitioners emphasised their right under Nigerian law to demand the recall of their representative. They stated that the senator’s actions had embarrassed the people of Kogi Central and undermined the integrity of the Nigerian Senate. The petition asserted that the recall process should be initiated immediately and that INEC should follow constitutional and procedural guidelines to declare her seat vacant.
Constituents’ reps expressed confidence in the recall process’s success.
Comrade Salihu Habeeb, a representative from the constituents, stated that the community had united in demanding a more accountable leader. He criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan for failing to engage with her constituents and not addressing their concerns. However, the recall petition follows a series of legal battles concerning the senator. On March 22, a Federal High Court in Lokoja lifted an order that had previously restrained INEC from receiving the petition. The court affirmed the rights of the constituents to initiate a recall process, urging them to continue exercising their democratic rights peacefully.
Likewise, on Monday, Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court set aside an earlier injunction that prevented INEC from acting on the petition. The decision came after INEC’s legal representative, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to halt a constitutional process. The judge also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case. Akpoti-Uduaghan, on her part, denied reports suggesting that she apologised to the Senate following her suspension. In a statement, she insisted that the claims were false and misleading. She reaffirmed her stance on the controversy surrounding her suspension and noted that she remained committed to defending her people’s rights.
Background of the crisis between the two political leaders.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan stems from allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment. According to her, the Senate President had made inappropriate advances toward her, including improper comments and physical contact. The allegations have added another layer of complexity to the ongoing political battle between the two. The Senate subsequently suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for gross misconduct. The suspension followed intense confrontations between her and the Senate boss.
However, various quarters strongly oppose the decision, with many viewing it as politically motivated. Civil Society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have filed a Lawsuit challenging the legality of her suspension. Despite the mounting pressure, Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her position, vowing not to be intimidated. She insists that pursuing justice guides her actions and will not retract her statements against Akpabio. The senator believes the entire episode is a deliberate attempt to stifle her voice and that of her supporters.
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As a result, the ongoing crisis has raised discussions about the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigerian Politics and the gender dynamics within the legislative arm. In addition, It raised concerns about the boundaries of free speech in the Senate and whether the suspension of a senator under such circumstances constitutes political persecution. Well, as the recall process unfolds, observers are keenly watching to see how the electorate commission will handle the matter. If successful, this recall effort could set a precedent for future political accountability in the country.