The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a petition from some Kogi Central Senatorial
District residents calling for the recall of Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, the district’s suspended National Assembly representative.
Following a seat dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the senator received a six-month suspension from
the Senate for misbehaviour.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, Charity Ijese, representing the constituents, delivered the petition to the Commission’s
secretary, Rose Anthony, at INEC headquarters.
“Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence” was the title of the petition.
“Specifically, this recall petition for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought in accordance with Section 69 of the
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall
Petitions,” the constituents stated.
They acknowledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan came to power as a result of an October 2023 ruling by the Appeal Court,
but they said that the petition started because they no longer trusted her to serve them.
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“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 embarrassed 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,” the constituents said.
The female federal legislator and Senate President Godswill Akpabio were at odds over seat arrangements. The
lawmaker accused Akpabio of abusing his position and engaging in sexual harassment. She was later placed on six
months of Senate suspension for misbehaviour.
