INEC Convenes Key Meeting on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Process
INEC Holds High-Stakes Meeting on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Amid Controversy
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened a critical meeting to deliberate on the recall process of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following mounting pressure from her constituents.
The recall effort gained momentum after hundreds of Kogi Central residents staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, submitting a petition dated March 21, demanding her removal over alleged misconduct, abuse of office, and actions that have, in their view, tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan stems from her ongoing six-month suspension from the Senate after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. While reports surfaced claiming she had apologized to the Senate leadership, the senator swiftly denied the allegations, maintaining her position and refusing to retract her claims.
Legal battles have also shaped the recall process. Last week, a Federal High Court initially barred INEC from receiving petitions to recall the senator. However, the ruling was overturned by another court in Lokoja, affirming the constitutional right of her constituents to pursue the recall process.
INEC Acting Director of Publicity, Esther Chibuikem, confirmed the commission was actively discussing the recall petition. Meanwhile, the protesters insisted they had lost confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s representation and demanded her immediate removal from office.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the recall effort as politically motivated, describing it as a desperate attempt to silence her. She reaffirmed her commitment to justice, stating, “I will not be intimidated. The public must not be deceived by these manipulations. My fight for truth and accountability will continue.”
Amid heightened tensions, the recall process is expected to be a major test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral framework.
