Constituents Cite Loss of Confidence, Alleged Misconduct as Reasons for Action
By Bashir Aliyu
Abuja-Nigeria – A coalition of registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District on Monday stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, submitting a formal petition demanding the immediate commencement of recall proceedings against their senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The group, operating under the aegis of Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, accused the senator of gross misconduct and failure to represent their interests effectively
The petitioners, led by Salihu Habib, invoked Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and INEC’s guidelines for recall processes. They claimed to have gathered signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the district – the constitutional threshold required to initiate a recall.
“We no longer have confidence in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s representation,” Habib told journalists after submitting the petition. “This is about democratic accountability and getting a senator who truly speaks for our people.”
The key allegations include gross misconduct in the Senate, abuse of office and evasion of due process, disrespect toward presiding officers and failure to adequately represent constituency interests.
Petitioners’ Demands:
The group urged INEC to act swiftly and impartially, emphasizing that their action was driven by grassroots dissatisfaction rather than political manipulation.
“We’re ordinary constituents exercising our constitutional rights,” Habib said, dismissing speculation that former Governor Yahaya Bello was behind the move. “Look around you – it’s Kogi youth and women here, not any politician.”
Constituents Speak Out:
Mrs. Charity Omole, a member of the group, stated: “We voted her in, and now we’re saying she must go. No one is bankrolling us – this is purely the people’s decision.”
Another petitioner, Hamza Yakubu, called for calm among constituents, describing the recall effort as a necessary democratic process. “Good governance requires accountability,” Yakubu said. “We’re confident INEC will follow due process.”
As at press time, INEC officials had not issued any official statement regarding the petition. Political observers note that if accepted, this could become Nigeria’s first successful recall of a sitting senator.
The move comes amid heightened political activity in Kogi State, with analysts divided on whether this represents genuine constituent dissatisfaction or deeper political maneuvering ahead of future elections.
