INEC Receives Petition Seeking Recall of Kogi Senator
Court Vacates Order, Allows Recall Process to Proceed
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi West) following a court ruling that vacated an earlier order restraining the commission from receiving the recall process.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Rejects Apology Report, Vows to Continue Fight for Justice
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected reports that she apologized to the Senate over her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as a desperate attempt to silence her. She vowed to continue fighting for justice and the rights of Nigerian women.
Recall Petition Signed by 250,000 Voters
A group of registered voters from Kogi Central, who stormed the INEC headquarters in Abuja, submitted a petition to the commission, claiming that more than 250,000 of them had signed the petition seeking her recall. The petition, dated March 21, 2025, demanded that INEC immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant.
Court Ruling
The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, had earlier granted an interim injunction restraining INEC from receiving, accepting, or acting on any petition containing signatures of members of Kogi Central. However, the court vacated the order and ordered the acceleration of the case before it.
INEC’s Position
INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, received the petition from the group of registered voters, who insisted that the recall process was constitutionally valid and aligned with the civic rights of the constituents.
Conclusion
The recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is ongoing, with the court ruling in favor of the petitioners. The senator, who has rejected reports of apologizing to the Senate, has vowed to continue fighting for justice and the rights of Nigerian women. The outcome of the recall process remains uncertain, but it is clear that the senator’s actions have sparked a significant political backlash.
FAQs
- What is the reason for the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan?
The petition is based on allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct against her. - How many voters have signed the petition?
More than 250,000 registered voters from Kogi Central have signed the petition. - What is the position of the court on the recall process?
The Federal High Court has vacated the order restraining INEC from receiving the recall petition and ordered the acceleration of the case before it. - What is Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s stance on the recall process?
She has rejected reports of apologizing to the Senate and has vowed to continue fighting for justice and the rights of Nigerian women.
