Political Storm Erupts as Kogi Central Moves to Recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
Abuja – Nigeria’s political landscape was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened an emergency meeting to consider an unprecedented recall petition against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, while the embattled lawmaker defiantly stood by her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Recall Petition Gathers Steam
A delegation of constituents stormed INEC headquarters bearing a petition signed by over 250,000 registered voters – representing more than half the senatorial district’s electorate – demanding immediate commencement of recall proceedings. The petition cites:
- Gross misconduct and abuse of office
- Evasion of due process
- Deceitful behavior damaging to Kogi Central’s reputation
- Embarrassment to the Senate institution
“This isn’t personal – it’s about restoring dignity to our representation,” stated Omole Charity, leader of the recall movement. “We voted her in, and now we’re exercising our constitutional right to remove her.”
Legal Wrangling Intensifies
The petition comes amid conflicting court rulings:
✓ March 21: Abuja court issues injunction blocking INEC from accepting petition
✓ March 22: Lokoja Federal High Court overturns injunction, declaring recall process constitutional
Legal experts suggest this may lead to protracted litigation over voters’ recall rights versus legislators’ protections.
Senator’s Defiant Stand
Akpoti-Uduaghan categorically denied rumors of apologizing to Senate leadership, declaring in a fiery statement:
- “I stand unshaken by these manufactured lies”
- “My suspension reeks of political victimization”
- “No apology will be given for speaking truth to power”
- Vowed to continue fighting for women’s rights and accountability
The senator maintains her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio precipitated her controversial six-month suspension, which she characterizes as an attempt to silence dissent.
INEC’s Constitutional Quandary
The electoral body faces mounting pressure to:
- Validate the petition’s signature threshold (50%+1 of registered voters)
- Navigate competing court orders
- Potentially trigger Nigeria’s first-ever senatorial recall election
“INEC is treading carefully to avoid constitutional crisis,” revealed a commission insider. “Every procedural step must withstand judicial scrutiny.”
Broader Implications
The unfolding drama highlights:
• Growing citizen activism in holding legislators accountable
• Tense gender dynamics in Nigeria’s male-dominated politics
• Challenges in balancing parliamentary immunity with constituents’ recall rights
As INEC deliberates, political observers warn this case could redefine legislative-citizen relations in Nigeria’s democracy. The coming days will determine whether Kogi Central voters make history by recalling their senator, or if the controversial lawmaker survives this unprecedented challenge to her mandate.
This developing story continues to unfold as legal and political battles intensify.