•Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Concerned Kogi Central constituents have raised the alarm over an alleged attempt to manipulate the people into initiating a recall process against their duly elected senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, under the pretext of an empowerment programme.
This was just as a video of the purported recall process went viral, yesterday, with some constituents queuing with their voter’s cards in support of the recall process, reports The Guardian.
Putting paid to apprehension raised by the recall video, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi State, Hale Longpet, denied knowledge of any recall process for Akpoti-Uduaghan.
These were happening just as the Federal High Court in Abuja vacated a prior order restraining the Senate from exercising its constitutional functions in the case of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Meanwhile, a coalition of women groups, Womanifesto, expressed strong support for the suspended senator in the face of harassment, intimidation and threats to her safety.
The recall process, witnessed in Okehi Local Council, yesterday, saw a large number of electorate in queue to support the recall process.
According to local sources, the exercise was carried out beyond party lines because of the growing dissatisfaction among constituents with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance, particularly in addressing key issues like poverty, infrastructure and education.
In a statement, yesterday, the concerned constituents accused former Governor Yahaya Bello and his allies of orchestrating the purported recall, in collaboration with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. They claimed the plot was retaliation against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who defeated Bello’s preferred candidate in the last senatorial election and had been vocal in demanding accountability.
“This so-called empowerment programme is a smokescreen. Many unsuspecting participants did not realise they were being tricked into signing a recall petition. This is political mischief aimed at silencing Natasha,” the statement reads.
The group urged the people of Kogi Central to remain vigilant and use every legal means to resist the alleged deception. They also called on the Federal Government to stop what they described as an orchestrated attack on democracy.
Reaffirming their support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, the constituents passed a vote of confidence in her leadership and warned against any action that could destabilise the relative peace in Kogi Central.
In a chat with our correspondent yesterday, Longpet said, “If there is any recall exercise, I should be the one to draw the timetable. In addition to the timetable, there will be a public enlightenment campaign through my office where criteria for the recall process will be made clear to the public, particularly Kogi Central.
“As I speak, I am not aware of any move to recall Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan, I have not even received any instruction from my boss, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, to embark on such an exercise. So, I don’t know where the rumour is coming from.”
The Abuja High Court ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, reinforced the Senate’s authority to discipline its members and proceed with internal investigations without judicial interference.
The dispute arose following a heated exchange between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio during plenary on February 20, 2025. Her protestation over seat reallocation was deemed disorderly, leading to her suspension for six months.
This latest court decision marked a significant moment in legislative independence, affirming the Senate’s right to regulate its internal affairs without undue judicial intervention.
The case was adjourned till March 25 for the hearing of all pending applications.
Womanifesto condemned the alleged unjust treatment the Kogi Central faced, which, they claimed, was aimed at undermining her legitimacy and discredit her actions.
In a statement, yesterday, Womanifesto voiced serious concerns over security risks facing Akpoti-Uduaghan, particularly reports suggesting plans to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.
It denounced efforts by detractors to recall her through her constituency and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold the rule of law.
Also raising concerns regarding the compromised nature of the Senate’s Ethics Committee, which they claimed had been influenced by public statements from Akpabio, Womanifesto demanded the establishment of an ad hoc special committee to investigate issues related to Akpoti-Uduaghan.
