INEC Holds Key Meeting on Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Process
INEC Meets on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall as Constituents Demand Her Removal
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held a crucial meeting on Monday to discuss the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate.
This development comes as over 250,000 voters from her constituency signed a petition calling for her immediate removal, citing gross misconduct, abuse of office, and deceitful behavior. The petition, dated March 21, was submitted to INEC by a group of constituents who claimed they had lost confidence in her leadership.
Court Rulings and INEC’s Deliberations
The recall process has been the subject of conflicting court rulings. Last Thursday, a court issued an interim injunction restraining INEC from acting on the recall petition. However, a Federal High Court in Lokoja overturned that decision the following day, ruling that the recall process was constitutional and urging voters to exercise their rights peacefully.
INEC’s Acting Director of Publicity, Esther Chibuikem, confirmed the ongoing deliberations, stating, “The Commission is meeting on the Kogi recall process now.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Stands Firm Amid Suspension and Allegations
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month Senate suspension, denied reports that she apologized to Senate leadership over the controversy that led to her suspension. The senator had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that sparked political tension.
In a statement on Monday, she dismissed reports of her alleged apology as “false and misleading.”
“I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she declared, accusing unnamed individuals of trying to manipulate public perception.
Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to continue fighting for justice, saying, “My allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were not made lightly, and I will continue to seek justice and accountability, no matter the cost.”
She also described her suspension as “political victimization” and reaffirmed her commitment to representing her constituents despite the recall efforts.
As the recall process unfolds, political tensions in Kogi Central remain high, with both Akpoti-Uduaghan and her opponents standing their ground.
INEC Holds Key Meeting on Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Process
