By Sadiyat Muhammed | Abuja, Nigeria
The ongoing bid to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has encountered fresh controversy following revelations that one of the main groups driving the process is not recognized by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
According to a document obtained by Tribune Online, the CAC, in a letter dated March 27, 2025, stated that it has no record of Kogi Central Political Frontier, the group that submitted the recall petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Kindly be informed that the exact name ‘Kogi Central Political Frontier’ is not available on record as an entity registered with the commission. Further be guided that the commission does not register political bodies or pressure groups,” the CAC’s letter reads.
This revelation has raised serious concerns about the authenticity and legitimacy of the recall process, which has already been met with scrutiny.
Questions Over the Recall Petition
The recall process began when six bags of signatures were submitted to INEC by groups claiming to represent Natasha’s constituents. However, the electoral commission initially flagged the petition for lacking contact details of the petitioners. After the group later provided the required information, INEC reportedly confirmed the details.
Despite this, the CAC’s statement has further fueled suspicions about the credibility of the recall effort, particularly regarding who is truly behind the petition and whether the process meets legal requirements.
Political Undercurrents and Sexual Harassment Allegations
The recall move comes against the backdrop of an ongoing political rift between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Kogi State political establishment. Critics argue that the attempt to unseat her is politically motivated, considering her high-profile faceoff with Governor Usman Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.
Meanwhile, the development coincides with explosive allegations leveled by Natasha against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The senator recently accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that has further heightened tensions in political circles.
While INEC has confirmed notifying Natasha of the recall process, the CAC’s revelation is expected to trigger fresh debates over the legitimacy of the move and whether the recall effort will hold legal ground in the coming days.
With these new findings, political analysts predict that the recall bid may face significant legal and procedural hurdles, leaving Natasha’s political future hanging in the balance as the situation unfolds.
