Abuja, Nigeria
Some constituents from Kogi Central have submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing the senatorial district.
The petition was received on Monday in Abuja by the Secretary to INEC, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
Charity Ijese presented the petition on behalf of the constituents titled, ‘Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’.
According to the constituents, “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.”
They said that Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged via the judgement of an Appeal Court decision in October 2023 but added that the petition was conceived following their loss of confidence in the senator.
“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the 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 but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions.
“By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than 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,” the constituents said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months by the Senate following a dispute with the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio over a sitting arrangement.
However, the case is now beyond sitting arrangement following the sexual harassment, and abuse of power made against Akpabio by the female lawmaker.
