The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the review of a petition calling for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The petition, which claims to have over 250,000 signatures—more than half of the electorate in the district—was submitted by Charity Ijese on behalf of constituents.
Speaking at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, INEC’s Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony assured that the Commission would follow constitutional procedures in reviewing the petition.
“We will adhere strictly to due process regarding recall as outlined in the Constitution,” she said.
The petition accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a pattern of deceitful behavior, claiming that her actions have tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate. The document demands that INEC commence the constitutional recall process.
Comrade Salihu Habeeb, a representative of the Kogi Central constituents, expressed confidence that the recall would be successful. “From the process, the Kogi Central indigenous people have carried out so far, this would be the first recall that will be successful,” Habeeb said.
Despite facing significant pressure, Akpoti-Uduaghan denied recent claims that she had apologized to the Senate following her suspension for alleged misconduct. She called the reports “false and misleading” and reaffirmed her commitment to defending the rights of her constituents.
The petition’s progression follows a series of contentious events, including a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which lifted an injunction preventing INEC from proceeding with the recall process.