Kogi Central Constituents Vow to Push Forward with Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District have expressed gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for validating 208,132 signatures (43.86%) in their petition to recall suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Although the petitioners had gathered more than the required 50% plus one threshold of registered voters and submitted full documentation, the validation of 43.86% by INEC still confirmed widespread discontent with the embattled senator, according to the constituents. They pointed out that approximately 35,000 signatures were canceled at the administrative stage by INEC.
In response to INEC’s announcement, the constituents made it clear in a statement on Thursday that they would continue their efforts to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The statement, signed by Salihu Habib on behalf of the petitioners, emphasized their determination to pursue the recall process in accordance with the Constitution and electoral regulations, while demanding transparency from the Commission.
“We have full confidence in INEC and expect them to conduct this process with clarity and without administrative confusion,” the statement read. “We will not back down in our resolve to bring the senator back home.”
The petitioners also thanked INEC for validating their figures, rejecting previous doubts raised by critics regarding the authenticity of the signatures.
“We appreciate INEC for proving the doubters wrong and showing that the majority of the people of Kogi Central stand with us. Unlike the desperate, embattled lawmaker, we did not import crowds,” they stated.
The constituents reiterated that their decision to pursue the recall was driven by the senator’s alleged misconduct and divisive behavior, particularly highlighting her recent rally where her comments were seen as potentially inciting division within the country.
“We are firm in our resolve to restore dignified, cooperative representation to Kogi Central. We will no longer tolerate a senator who is willing to say or do anything to maintain political relevance,” they declared. “How can a responsible senator accuse other regions of sabotaging Kogi State and the North over the siting of LNG plants? Such rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible.”
The petitioners stressed their commitment to pursuing all lawful and constitutional methods to ensure their voices are heard. “After God, power belongs to the people,” they concluded.
