Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central is facing a petition for recall, filed by over 250,000 of her constituents, who represent a significant portion of the district’s 488,000 registered voters. The petition, submitted by Charity Omole on behalf of the group, follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6 for alleged gross misconduct after an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This suspension came shortly after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The petitioners argue that they cannot afford to be without representation in the Senate, prompting them to seek the recall process. According to Nigerian law, the petition must first be verified, and if the signatures are validated, a referendum will follow. The entire process must be completed within 90 days of the petition’s submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Charity Omole emphasized that the petitioners are acting independently, without any external influence. This move adds another layer of complexity to the political situation surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been a vocal figure in the Senate.