The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally received a petition calling for the recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
The petition was submitted on Monday and acknowledged by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” the document signals the beginning of a potential recall process, pending INEC’s review and subsequent actions.
“Dear Sir,
1. We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi
Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Senator Natasha
Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.
2. In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha
Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of
The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), as well as INEC’S Regulations and
Guidelines for Recall Petitions.
3. Kindly recall that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as our Senator by verdict
of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 which affirmed the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate as winner of the February 25, 2023
Kogi Central Senatorial election.
4. This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on 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
constituency but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and
our nation’s
democratic institutions.
5. By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than one-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.”
