The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially received a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. This development comes amid a complex legal backdrop involving court injunctions and allegations of political manipulation.
On March 20, 2025, a Federal High Court in Lokoja issued an interim injunction restraining INEC from accepting any recall petitions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court’s decision was based on concerns that the petitions contained fictitious signatures and names from purported members of the Kogi Central Senatorial District. The injunction was to remain in effect pending the determination of a Motion on Notice.
Despite the court’s order, INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony acknowledged the receipt of the recall petition on March 24, 2025. The petition reportedly includes over 250,000 signatures from constituents, out of approximately 480,000 registered voters in the district.
The recall effort has been marred by allegations of deceitful tactics. Reports indicate that some residents were lured with promises of financial aid and support, only to find their signatures used to endorse the recall campaign without their informed consent. One resident described the process as a “scam,” stating that many were unaware of the true purpose behind the signature collection.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been embroiled in a series of political and legal challenges in recent weeks. She was suspended from the Senate after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. In response, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on Akpabio to reverse the suspension, deeming it “patently unlawful” and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.
The Senate also initiated disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan, which she challenged in court. The Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order restraining the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against her, pending the outcome of the legal process.
The recall process itself has been contentious. While the recent court injunction aimed to prevent INEC from acting on petitions with allegedly falsified signatures, the commission’s acceptance of the petition raises questions about the adherence to legal protocols and the authenticity of the signatures collected.
As the situation unfolds, the legal and political ramifications continue to develop. The Federal High Court in Lokoja has scheduled further proceedings for May 6, 2025, to address the concerns raised about the recall petition. Until then, the status of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s position remains uncertain, with her constituents and political observers closely monitoring the developments.
