The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially received a petition demanding the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The petition, endorsed by over 250,000 constituents, was submitted at INEC's headquarters in Abuja on Monday, March 24, 2025. INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony accepted the petition on behalf of the commission, marking the initiation of the constitutional review process for the recall.
This development follows a series of events involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. She was suspended by the Senate for six months due to alleged misconduct stemming from a dispute over seating arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During this altercation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, allegations that have sparked significant public discourse and protests advocating for women's rights under the banner "We are all Natasha."
The recall process, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, involves several steps. Upon receiving a petition signed by a specified percentage of registered voters from the senator's constituency, INEC is required to verify the authenticity of the signatures. If the verification is successful, a referendum is conducted to determine whether the senator should be recalled. For the recall to proceed, a majority of constituents must vote in favor during the referendum.
It's noteworthy that this petition submission occurred after a Federal High Court in Lokoja lifted an earlier injunction that had prevented INEC from accepting the recall petition. This legal development cleared the path for constituents to formally initiate the recall process.
As the situation unfolds, it underscores the dynamic nature of Nigeria's political landscape and highlights the active engagement of constituents in democratic processes.
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