THE INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the review of a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The petition, submitted by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents, was received at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
Oriaran-Anthony assured that INEC would follow due process in handling the petition in line with constitutional provisions governing the recall of legislators.
Understanding Nigeria’s Recall Process
The recall process in Nigeria follows multiple legal and procedural stages before a legislator’s seat can be declared vacant. According to Section 69 of the Nigerian Constitution, a senator or member of the House of Representatives can only be recalled if more than half of the registered voters in their constituency sign a petition, leading to a verification exercise by INEC. If the verification is successful, a referendum is conducted where over 50% of the registered voters must vote in favour of the recall for it to be valid. If these conditions are met, the legislator’s seat is declared vacant (jurist.ng).
INEC has also outlined detailed regulations for the recall process, specifying the procedures involved, including the verification of signatories, the referendum, and the final declaration of vacancy. These guidelines are publicly available (inecnigeria.org).
Additionally, INEC has published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section addressing concerns about the recall process, its legal framework, and procedural requirements
Petition Cites Gross Misconduct and Loss of Confidence
The petition, titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” claims that over 250,000 registered voters—more than half of the electorate in Kogi Central—have endorsed the recall process. It accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour.
The petition 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.”
It further argues that the senator’s alleged actions have tarnished the integrity of the Senate and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Comrade Salihu Habeeb, a representative of the petitioners, expressed confidence that the recall process would succeed, claiming that it reflected a unified voice from the Kogi Central people.
“From the process we have carried out so far, this will be the first recall that will be successful. We have spoken with one voice. We need a credible representative,” Habeeb stated.
Comrade Hamza Yakubu, another petitioner, emphasised that the recall process was based on logic and public interest rather than emotions. “We believe that the recall process will be successful. The Commission should review the submitted petition and immediately move into action,” he added.
The recall petition follows a series of controversial events involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6 after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim he denied.
On March 22, a Federal High Court in Lokoja vacated an earlier restraining order that had prevented INEC from receiving the recall petition. Justice Isa Dashen ruled that the recall process was constitutionally valid and should proceed.
The ruling came after INEC’s legal counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to stop INEC from performing its duties under the Constitution.
INEC, in line with its legal obligations, has now begun reviewing the petition and will proceed with the verification process as outlined in Section 69 of the Nigerian Constitution. The next crucial step will be the signatory verification exercise, after which INEC will decide whether a referendum is necessary.
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Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has strongly denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.
In a statement on Monday, she described the claims as “false and misleading”, insisting that she stands by her position.
“The reports suggesting that I have apologised to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.
She further accused political opponents of trying to manipulate public opinion and silence her voice in the National Assembly.
“This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives,” she added.
With over 250,000 signatories backing the recall and legal battles ongoing, the case could set a significant precedent for legislative recalls in Nigeria.
The Explainer gathered that the success of this process will depend on whether the INEC verification exercise confirms the authenticity of the petitioners’ signatures, followed by a referendum where a majority of voters must support the recall. If these conditions are met, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat will be declared vacant, making it one of the rare instances where a Nigerian senator is recalled.
For now, INEC has assured that it will strictly follow constitutional guidelines and due process as it reviews the petition and takes the next steps in the recall proceedings.
