The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has denied the existence of a group named Kogi Central Political Frontier, which recently petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The commission clarified that the group is not registered in its records as a legally recognized entity.
On March 25, 2025, the group submitted a petition to INEC, seeking to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In response to an inquiry regarding the registration status of Kogi Central Political Frontier, CAC Registrar General, Mainunat Hamu Modi, stated that the commission does not register political bodies or pressure groups.
A letter from the CAC read:
“We refer to your letter dated March 20, 2025, requesting the registration status of Kogi Central Political Frontier.
“Kindly be informed that the exact name, Kogi Central Political Frontier, is not available on record as a registered entity with the Commission.
“Furthermore, be guided that the Commission does not register political bodies or pressure groups.”
Despite this, on March 25, 2025, Kogi Central Political Frontier submitted a petition signed by Saliha Habib to the INEC Chairman, demanding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.
The petition stated:
“Following the press release/observation of the Independent National Electoral Commission on the recall petition by the above body, attached is the contact of the petitioners.”
The group accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of failing to engage with her constituents and neglecting their concerns.
A representative of the group said:
“From the process the Kogi Central Indigenous people have carried out so far, this would be the first successful recall. We have spoken with one voice. We need a credible representative.”
However, Nigerians are now questioning how an unregistered group with no official address could initiate a recall process against a sitting senator.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier stated that she had not received any formal notification from INEC regarding the petition for her recall.
When contacted to confirm receipt of the INEC notice, Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned whether INEC’s publication of the notice on social media platforms was sufficient.
She said: “I haven’t been served. Guess publishing it on their social media handles suffices? I will ask my lawyers. It’s all crazy.”
DAILY GAZETTE obtained a notice from INEC titled, “Receipt of a petition for your recall from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” addressed to Senator Natasha.
Dated March 25, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony, the notice read:
“Pursuant to Section 69 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I write to notify you of the receipt of a petition from representatives of registered voters in your constituency seeking your recall from the Senate.
“This notification is in line with the provision of Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, 2024.
“This letter is also copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and simultaneously published on the Commission’s website.”
DAILY GAZETTE reported that INEC had initially rejected the petition due to the absence of verifiable contact information but later accepted it after the petitioners provided the required details.
