A recall petition for Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked debate about Nigeria’s recall procedure. The petition, which was filed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, reportedly has 250,000 signatures, which is significantly more than the 106,000 votes cast in the 2023 election that Akpoti-Uduaghan won after a tribunal adjusted inflated votes for her opponent, according to a report by the Cable.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Charity Omole, representing the constituents, argued the recall is necessary to ensure senate representation, denying external influence.
Nigeria’s constitution requires over 50% of registered voters—about 244,000 of Kogi Central’s 488,000—to sign a recall petition, followed by verification and a referendum within 90 days.
Though the petition claims 250,000 signatures (later reported as 474,554), it may fall short of the 290,000 threshold due to potential disqualifications. A federal high court in Lokoja permitted the process, but INEC noted petitioners omitted contact details.
The effort follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month senate suspension for “gross misconduct” after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of harassment. Critics allege political motives, while she calls it suppression.
With no successful recalls since 1999—exemplified by Dino Melaye’s failed 2017 attempt—the process’s high bar questions its efficacy as a democratic tool versus a political weapon.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
