Constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have commenced a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing a vote of no confidence in her representation, with a significant number of electorates queueing to register their support for the recall process in Okehi Local Government Area.
According to Nura Ibrahim, an electorate, the exercise is being conducted beyond party lines owing to the increasing dissatisfaction among constituents with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance, especially regarding poverty, infrastructure, and education.
“The decision to initiate the recall process was not taken lightly, with key stakeholders stating that they had tried to engage with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on several occasions, but their efforts were met with disdain and arrogance,” he said.
The recall process is expected to last two days across all polling units in the five local governments of Kogi Central.
During this time, constituents will be required to sign a petition calling for the senator’s recall.
However, our correspondent found that constituents were reportedly tricked into signing after a town crier invited people for empowerment in Okehi on Tuesday, but upon arrival, they were asked to submit their voter card number in exchange for money.
Our correspondent also contacted the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Longpet, who denied any knowledge of a recall.
“I am not aware of any recall process, apart from the unconfirmed reports flying about on social media.
“No one has contacted me about any recall in any part of the state,” Longpet said.
It is noteworthy that Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently serving a six-month suspension after allegedly contravening Senate rules during a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She subsequently leveled allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President.
As per INEC’s regulations and guidelines for recall, notification must be formally delivered to the official address and copied to the presiding officer of the applicable legislature, with publication on the Commission’s recalled
Moreover, the commission must verify that the petition bears the signatures of more than half of the registered voters in the member’s constituency, with the signatories’ list serving as the Register of Petitioners (Form EC41) for recall purposes.
The verification process will take place in the Polling Units at the constituency of the member sought to be recalled.
