Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has denounced the recall petition submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by voters in her constituency as fraudulent.
She made this assertion in a statement posted on her official Facebook account on Saturday.
Last Monday, a group of voters from Kogi Central, identifying as the Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, filed a petition with INEC in Abuja requesting her recall from the Senate.1
In the petition, addressed to INEC chairperson Mahmood Yakubu, the group claimed they had lost confidence in Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s representation and requested the commission to initiate the recall process.
The petition reportedly contained signatures from over 250,000 registered voters, exceeding the 50 percent threshold required for a recall.
Initially, INEC identified errors in the petition, citing the absence of contact addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of the petitioners.2
However, INEC later confirmed receiving the missing information and announced its readiness to proceed with the recall process.
INEC also notified the Senate and Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan about the recall petition.
The Senate has yet to issue a statement confirming receipt of the notice.
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In her response, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the planned recall, labeling it a fraudulent exercise.
She also reiterated her stance on her six-month suspension from the Senate, maintaining that it was illegal and politically motivated.
The embattled lawmaker reaffirmed her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“Against intimidation, illegal suspension and fraudulent recall, I stand my ground on my sexual harassment claim against the Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio,” she stated.
In addition to the recall controversy, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns about a manipulated 2015 CNN documentary featuring her, which she claimed was being used to damage her reputation.
“My attention has been drawn to my feature in a 2015 @cnn documentary by @Christian Purefoy which captured the essence of Yoruba culture through Aunty Nike Okundaye of @nikeartfoundation.
“Unscrupulous persons (like one in the attached) have maliciously misinterpreted the intent using @battabox version of the documentary. As a Christian, daughter to a Muslim father, I respect all religions and appreciate the beauty in all legal aspects of Nigerian culture,” she added.
Since 1999, no recall of a Nigerian lawmaker has been successful.
Previous failed recall attempts include those against former Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Ali Ndume, and House of Representatives members Abdulmumin Jibrin and Datti Mohammed.
Threats of recall were also issued against former Senator Chris Ngige and former federal lawmaker Farouk Lawan.
The Senate suspended Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on March 6, following recommendations from its ethics, privileges and public petitions committee.3
The committee found her guilty of breaching Senate rules during a chamber session where she rejected a new seat assignment.
She has accused Mr. Akpabio of sexual harassment, which he denies, and claims her suspension is retaliation for her allegations.
With INEC proceeding with the recall process, the outcome of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s senatorial position remains uncertain.
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