SENETOR NATASHA Akpoti-Uduaghan has described the failed attempt to recall her from the Senate as a triumph for democracy and the will of the people, expressing gratitude to her supporters and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for upholding constitutional principles.
The electoral body dismissed the recall petition against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, citing its failure to meet the constitutional requirement of securing signatures from at least 50 percent of registered voters in the senatorial district.
The petition, submitted by a faction of her constituents on March 24, reportedly garnered over 250,000 signatures out of Kogi Central’s 488,000 registered voters. However, INEC ruled that the submission lacked essential contact details, rendering it invalid.
Reacting to the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan took to her Facebook page to declare the outcome a victory for Nigerians.
“On God, it’s victory for the people of Nigeria. One battle down, two more to go,” she wrote.
She extended appreciation to her “beloved husband, awesome support team, magnificent people of Kogi Central, and great people of Nigeria at large.”
The recall petition emerged in the wake of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate, a move that divided opinions within her constituency.
A group led by Charity Omole argued that the district needed an active representative and accused the senator of failing to meet expectations.
“We are the ones that voted for her, and we don’t want her anymore because we cannot afford not to have a representative,” Omole stated at the time.
However, the senator alleged bias in the handling of the petition, accusing INEC of facilitating the petitioners by advising them on how to resubmit their documents after initial deficiencies.
“What I see INEC doing is aiding and guiding petitioners on how to perfect their illicit acts,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated during a homecoming rally in Kogi. “The first time the petition was submitted, it didn’t have an address or phone numbers, so INEC guided them on how to rectify it.”
Despite these claims, INEC ultimately ruled the petition inadequate, reinforcing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s position and cementing her mandate.
While celebrating the dismissal of the recall effort, Akpoti-Uduaghan swiftly pivoted to her legislative and community development agenda. On Thursday, she launched the construction of a free maternity and childcare centre in Kogi Central, a project aimed at addressing maternal and infant health challenges in the region.
The 20-bed facility will feature two delivery rooms, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and staff quarters to accommodate medical personnel.
“As a mother of four, I understand the physical toll of pregnancy and the unique risks involved,” the senator said. “With my access to healthcare, I can only imagine the challenges women in rural areas face during childbirth. As your senator, I believe it’s important to build a maternity and childcare centre to support these women.”
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According to her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, the project is scheduled for completion in four months and will provide free antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services to women across the district.
Beyond healthcare, Akpoti-Uduaghan also spearheaded an economic empowerment initiative, distributing tools and startup resources to welders and carpenters who had undergone vocational training.
Additionally, she continued her relief efforts by distributing 200 bags of rice to constituents, following a previous donation of 2,400 bags of grains.
The failed recall bid and her subsequent developmental strides underscore Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resilience in the face of political adversity.
While the recall attempt may have cast doubt on her political standing, the lawmaker’s response—focusing on governance and community impact—signals her determination to solidify her influence in Kogi Central.
“This is not just my victory—it’s a victory for democracy and the people’s voice,” she said.
