By Ghazali Ibrahim 
A petition has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District, seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The petition, signed by more than half of the registered voters in the district, received by INEC on Monday, cites loss of confidence in the senator due to alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and deceitful behavior.
The petitioners invoked their rights under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.
They expressed embarrassment and disappointment over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, which they believe have tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and the nation’s democratic institutions.
Part of the statement reads, “We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.
“In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), as well as INEC’S Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.
“Kindly recall that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as our Senator by verdict of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 which affirmed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate as winner of the February 25, 2023 Kogi Central Senatorial election.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was affirmed as the winner of the February 25, 2023, Kogi Central Senatorial election by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on October 31.
