Concerned constituents in Kogi Central have raised alarm over an alleged scheme to manipulate voters into initiating a recall process against their elected senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, under the guise of an empowerment programme.
A video of the purported recall process surfaced online, showing constituents queuing with their voter’s cards to endorse the move.
However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi State, Hale Longpet, has denied any knowledge of such a process.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has vacated an earlier order that had restricted the Senate from carrying out its constitutional functions in the matter concerning Akpoti-Uduaghan.
A coalition of women groups, Womanifesto, has also condemned what it describes as harassment and intimidation against the senator, affirming its support for her.
The recall exercise, reportedly held in Okehi Local Council, drew a sizable crowd. According to local sources, the event transcended party lines, driven by increasing dissatisfaction with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s handling of key issues like poverty, infrastructure, and education.
However, in a statement released by concerned constituents, former Governor Yahaya Bello and his allies were accused of orchestrating the recall in collaboration with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The group described the move as political retaliation against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who defeated Bello’s preferred candidate in the last senatorial election and has since been vocal about 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 read.
The group urged Kogi Central residents to remain vigilant and resist what they called an orchestrated attack on democracy.
They also called on the Federal Government to intervene and prevent actions that could destabilize the state.
Reaffirming their loyalty, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters passed a vote of confidence in her leadership and warned against any further attempts to undermine her position.
Speaking to newsmen, Longpet dismissed the recall rumours, emphasizing that no official process had been initiated by the electoral body.
“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,” he said.
The Federal High Court ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, reaffirmed the Senate’s authority to discipline its members without external judicial interference.
The dispute traces back to a heated exchange between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio during plenary on February 20, 2025.
Her protest over the reallocation of her seat was deemed disorderly, leading to her six-month suspension.
The ruling was seen as a pivotal moment in reinforcing legislative independence, upholding the Senate’s right to regulate its own affairs.
The case has been adjourned to March 25 for further hearings.
Womanifesto, a coalition of women’s rights organizations, strongly condemned what it described as unjust treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The group argued that the recall attempt was part of a broader effort to discredit the senator and suppress her influence.
It also raised security concerns, citing reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan could face arrest upon her return to Nigeria.
The group further criticized the Senate’s Ethics Committee, accusing it of being influenced by Akpabio’s public statements.
In response, it demanded the formation of an independent ad hoc committee to investigate the issues surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Womanifesto also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold the rule of law and ensure that any recall process follows constitutional guidelines.
