The constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have reaffirmed their determination to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly. This follows the recent validation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of 208,132 signatures submitted in support of the recall petition.
The constituents, who represent the registered voters of Kogi Central, expressed their gratitude to INEC for confirming that a substantial number of residents are behind the recall effort. The validated signatures accounted for 43.86 percent of the total registered voters in the district, a figure that exceeds the 25 percent threshold required by the electoral body for further action. Despite the fact that over 35,000 signatures were discarded during the administrative stage of the validation process, the petitioners insist that the recall will move forward, with no intention of backing down.
The petition to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been suspended from the Senate, was submitted by a group of concerned constituents. According to the petitioners, the lawmaker’s behavior, which they described as “misconduct and divisiveness,” led to widespread dissatisfaction among the people she was elected to represent.
In a statement issued by Salihu Habib, on behalf of the petitioners, the constituents made it clear that they had mobilized far more than the required number of signatures. They claimed to have gathered enough signatures to surpass the 50 percent plus one threshold of registered voters. However, the electoral commission only validated 43.86 percent of the signatures, due to discrepancies identified during the validation process.
The petitioners acknowledge that some signatures were discarded but insist that the validation of over 200,000 signatures demonstrates overwhelming support for the recall effort. Despite INEC’s rejection of some signatures, the constituents believe this outcome further proves that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has lost the confidence of her people.
The constituents expressed satisfaction with INEC’s decision to validate a substantial portion of the submitted signatures. They believe that this validation refutes previous claims made by critics who questioned the authenticity of the petition. The petitioners also took the opportunity to thank the electoral body for its efforts in ensuring the integrity of the process.
“We thank INEC for making it clear that the bulk of the people of Kogi Central are behind us and that we did not import a crowd like a desperate, embattled lawmaker,” the statement read.
The validation of the signatures has been seen as a significant victory for those seeking to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan, as it confirms that a large portion of her constituents no longer support her.
“We are firm in our resolve to restore dignified and collaborative representation to Kogi Central Senatorial District,” the petitioners continued. “We will no longer indulge someone who will do and say anything just to remain politically relevant.”
The push for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall has been fueled by several incidents, including her recent controversial statements. According to the petitioners, her actions have been divisive, and her comments are seen as a direct attack on the unity of the country. They pointed specifically to a rally held by the senator, during which she made statements that the constituents say could have incited regional tensions.
“How can any patriotic Nigerian accuse other parts of the country of sabotaging Kogi State/the North because LNG plants are sited here?” the petitioners asked. “How can a responsible Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria try to pitch the North against the South?”
These remarks, made during a rally by Akpoti-Uduaghan, were criticized for being reckless and potentially harmful to national unity. The constituents argue that such comments were not only irresponsible but also dangerous, as they risked escalating tensions between regions of the country.
For the petitioners, this was the final straw. They assert that a senator should be a unifier, not a divider, and they are determined to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan from office for her actions.
The constituents have made it clear that there is no turning back in their effort to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. In their statement, they emphasized that they would pursue all lawful and constitutional means to ensure the process moves forward. They have promised to continue engaging with INEC within the bounds of the law to ensure full transparency in the handling of the recall petition.
“We will liaise with INEC within the full ambits of the Constitution and regulations to demand for transparency in the handling of our petition,” the constituents declared. They expressed complete confidence in the electoral body to conduct a fair and transparent process, free from ambiguity or administrative delays.
The constituents have also called on the Nigerian public to support their cause, emphasizing that power ultimately belongs to the people. They believe that by pursuing the recall of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, they are asserting their right to have a representative who truly serves their interests and not someone who engages in divisive politics for personal gain.
The petition to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is not just a political issue; it also has significant legal and constitutional implications. Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, once a petition for recall is validated by INEC, the electoral commission is required to set a date for a referendum to determine whether the lawmaker should be removed from office. The law stipulates that a successful recall petition requires the approval of at least 51 percent of voters in the affected constituency.
As the process moves forward, legal experts will be closely monitoring the steps taken by INEC and the petitioners to ensure compliance with the constitutional and electoral laws. If the recall is successful, it would set a precedent for the accountability of elected officials to their constituents and may inspire similar efforts in other parts of the country.
