Some constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have initiated a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing a vote of no confidence in her representation.
The recall process, which began in Okehi Local Government Area on Wednesday, witnessed a significant turnout of electorates who queued to register their support for the move.
One of the constituents, Nura Ibrahim, stated that the exercise transcends party affiliations, attributing it to growing dissatisfaction with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance, particularly in addressing key issues such as poverty, infrastructure, and education.
“The decision to initiate the recall process was not taken lightly. Key stakeholders have made several attempts to engage with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, but their efforts were met with disdain and arrogance,” he said.
The recall process is scheduled to last two days across all polling units in the five local government areas of Kogi Central. During this period, constituents are expected to sign a petition calling for the senator’s removal.
However, our correspondent gathered that some constituents were allegedly deceived into appending their signatures. Reports indicate that a town crier in Okehi went around on Tuesday, inviting residents for an empowerment program. Upon arrival, they were instead asked to submit their voter card numbers in exchange for money.
When contacted, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Longpet, denied any knowledge of the recall process.
“I am not aware of any recall process, apart from the unconfirmed reports circulating on social media. No one has officially contacted me about a recall in any part of the state,” Longpet said.
It will be recalled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently serving a six-month suspension after allegedly violating Senate rules during a face-off with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment.
Recall Process and INEC Guidelines
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a recall petition must be submitted to the Commission’s Chairman by representatives of the petitioners. The lawmaker being recalled must also be formally notified in writing.
INEC’s regulations further state that the notification must be delivered to the lawmaker’s official address, with a copy sent to the presiding officer of the relevant legislature. The petition must also be published on the Commission’s website.
Additionally, for a recall to proceed, the petition must be signed by more than half of the registered voters in the lawmaker’s constituency. The list of signatories will constitute the Register of Petitioners (Form EC41). INEC will then conduct a verification exercise at the polling units within the affected constituency.
