ABUJA, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially notified Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the petition seeking her recall from the National Assembly.
The petition, filed by representatives of registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District, triggers a process outlined in Section 69 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended.
In a letter signed by Ruth Oriaran Anthony, INEC’s Secretary, the commission confirmed that it had received the petition and the contact details of the petitioners.
The letter, addressed to Akpoti-Uduaghan, also serves as a formal notification in line with Clause 2 (a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.
Additionally, a copy of the letter was sent to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on INEC’s website.
The next steps outlined by INEC involve a review of the petitioners’ list of signatories to confirm that it has been signed by over 50% of registered voters in the Kogi Central constituency.
Sam Olumekun, INEC’s national commissioner for information and voter education, explained that this process would be conducted in the coming days.
“The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission,” Olumekun said in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
This move comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent suspension from the Senate for six months due to “gross misconduct” over a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding seating arrangements.
The senator also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation that has contributed to the political tension surrounding her suspension.
The petitioners behind the recall effort have cited accusations of “gross misconduct, abuse of office, and deceitful behaviour” as the basis for the recall.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, has denied the allegations and dismissed the recall effort as a “coordinated suppression” of her voice, claiming that it is politically motivated.
