Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has raised alarm over what she describes as a deliberate delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in serving her with a recall petition. In a strongly-worded letter dated March 28, 2025, her legal team demanded that INEC immediately provide her with the petition and all supporting documents, warning of legal consequences if the commission fails to comply.
The recall petition, which seeks to remove Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from office, has sparked significant political tension in the region, with the senator’s supporters accusing political opponents of using the process to undermine her political career. This latest development marks an escalation in the ongoing battle between the senator and INEC, with her legal team accusing the electoral body of sabotage.
According to the letter from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives, led by Adanu Emmanuel Ogwiji of J.S. Okutepa SAN & Co., INEC has failed to provide the senator with the recall petition and supporting documents, despite repeated requests. These requests were first made on March 24 and March 25, 2025, urging the commission to deliver the petition as required by law.
The legal team cited the case of Senator Dino Melaye & 7 Ors. vs. INEC, a landmark legal battle in which the Federal High Court ruled that for a recall process to proceed, the affected lawmaker must be served with a copy of the petition and supporting documents. This ruling emphasized the importance of transparency and fair hearing, which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team argues is being violated by INEC’s delay.
“By withholding these documents, INEC is fostering suspicion and undermining public trust in its ability to conduct free and fair elections,” the letter stated. The legal team also warned that INEC’s actions could potentially compromise the integrity of the entire recall process.
The lawyers referred to the Federal High Court’s decision in the Melaye case, where Justice Nnamdi O. Dimgba emphasized that the recall process must be transparent. The judge stressed that withholding documents, such as the recall petition and the list of signatories, can create negative impressions and breed suspicion among the public.
As the case law clearly states, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives argue that INEC is legally obligated to serve the petition and accompanying documents. The documents in question include the recall petition itself, the schedule of signatures supporting the recall, and the full list of individuals backing the process.
“Pursuant to the position of the law stated above, we urge you most respectfully to comply with the request of our client, within 24 hours from the date of receipt of this letter,” the letter further warned, issuing an ultimatum to INEC. The legal team added that failure to comply would be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to undermine the senator’s constitutional rights and the integrity of the recall process.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023, has been a prominent figure in Kogi State politics. She has often found herself at odds with powerful political figures, particularly within the ruling party in the state. Her vocal opposition to some of the policies and actions of political elites in Kogi has made her a target of political opponents, and the recall process is widely seen as a politically motivated move to remove her from office.
The senator’s supporters believe that the recall process is an effort by her political rivals to silence her and weaken her influence. Many view the delay in the service of the petition as an extension of these political tactics. By stalling the process, they argue, INEC is enabling the use of the recall procedure as a political weapon rather than a legitimate democratic process.
The recall petition against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria. Critics argue that the recall process is often used to target elected officials who are seen as obstacles to powerful political interests. This case highlights the challenges faced by lawmakers who challenge the status quo or advocate for change, especially when political opponents have the power to manipulate the legal and electoral systems.
If INEC fails to serve the recall petition as required by law, it could set a dangerous precedent for future recall attempts. It could signal that political pressure can delay or obstruct the legal process, undermining public confidence in the electoral body and the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Furthermore, the delay in the service of the recall petition raises questions about INEC’s impartiality. As Nigeria’s electoral umpire, INEC is tasked with ensuring that electoral processes are transparent, fair, and free from political interference. If the commission is seen as allowing itself to be manipulated by political forces, it could further erode trust in the electoral system and discourage voter participation in future elections.
With the 24-hour deadline issued by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, INEC now faces significant pressure to act swiftly and transparently. If the commission fails to comply, it could face legal action, which may further complicate the recall process and draw public scrutiny to its role in the political landscape.
The legal dispute between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and INEC is more than just a procedural matter—it is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the rights of lawmakers and the conduct of electoral processes in Nigeria.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on INEC to see whether it will act in accordance with the law and ensure that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights to a fair hearing are protected. The case also serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, particularly when powerful political interests attempt to manipulate the legal system for personal gain.
