Mathew Amaechi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially received a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. The petition, submitted on Monday, was received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The petition, signed by over 250,000 constituents, alleges gross misconduct and a loss of confidence in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s representation. Charity Ijoshe Omole, leader of the group Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, stated, “We have lost confidence in her because of her gross misconduct that led to her suspension in the Senate, and we the Kogi Central [are] not being represented.
This development follows a recent interim injunction issued by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, restraining INEC from accepting or acting on any petitions seeking to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court order, granted on Thursday, was in response to an ex-parte application supported by an affidavit citing “extreme urgency.
Subsequently, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside the earlier ruling that had restrained INEC from receiving the recall petition against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. In its judgment, the court affirmed that the recall process is constitutionally valid and aligns with the civic rights of the constituents. It further urged the constituents to continue exercising their rights in an orderly and peaceful manner.
However, the court also barred INEC from conducting a referendum on the petition to initiate the recall process of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.The petition was submitted and accepted by INEC, but the electoral body has yet to make an official statement regarding its acceptance.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for six months over allegations of misconduct. The Senate’s decision followed recommendations from its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of misconduct and failure to appear before the committee.The unfolding events have sparked controversy and debate among constituents and political observers. While some constituents support the recall process, others have dismissed it as a “sham.
Hale Longpet, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi State, has denied any knowledge of an ongoing recall process for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.As the situation develops, all eyes remain on INEC and the judiciary to determine the next steps in this unfolding political drama.
