A petition seeking the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator for Kogi Central, was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday.
The petition, signed by over 250 constituents, accuses the senator of “gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of due process,” leading to a “loss of confidence” in her leadership. The document, dated March 21, 2025, invokes Section 69 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, calling for her removal from the Senate.
The petition, received and stamped by INEC, states: “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.”
The petitioners also noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s election victory was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on October 31, 2023, following a ruling that declared her the winner of the February 2023 Kogi Central Senatorial election. Despite this, the petitioners express dissatisfaction with her conduct in office, prompting the call for her recall.
The petition further claims that over half of the registered voters in the district have signed, urging INEC to act immediately.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been in conflict with Senate leadership after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Step-by-Step Process for Senatorial Recall in Nigeria
1. Petition for Recall: A petition must be initiated by registered voters in the senator’s constituency, with signatures from at least 50% of voters. The petition must outline the reasons for recall.
2. Submission to INEC: The petition is submitted to INEC, which will verify whether it meets the required signature threshold.
3. Verification of Signatures: INEC will conduct a verification exercise to confirm the authenticity of the signatures. If the threshold is met, the process continues; otherwise, it is terminated.
4. Referendum (Recall Election): If the petition is verified, INEC will organise a referendum within 90 days. A majority of 50% plus one of the registered voters must vote in favour of recall.
5. Declaration of Recall Outcome: If the majority votes for recall, INEC certifies the result and sends it to the Senate President, who is required to declare the seat vacant.
6. Conduct of a Fresh Election: After a senator is recalled, INEC will conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
