Tensions are escalating in Kogi State as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defies security restrictions to visit her constituency, triggering renewed political drama reminiscent of the recall saga once faced by former senator Dino Melaye.
Despite a state-imposed ban on rallies and large gatherings citing security concerns, Akpoti-Uduaghan flew into Kogi Central to celebrate Sallah with her constituents. The senator, currently serving a six-month suspension from the National Assembly, insists her visit was lawful and not politically motivated.
“This is my land. I am an Ebira woman and the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti,” she declared during the gathering. “I am not breaking any law. This is not a rally or campaign. It’s a celebration with my people.”
She added that the event was held on private property, not public roads, and emphasized that her arrival by helicopter was intended to avoid breaching movement restrictions.
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The visit, however, has drawn criticism from political rivals and state authorities. Kogi Governor Usman Ododo and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have both accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of violating public safety directives. The senator, in turn, accused both men of orchestrating a plot to silence and eliminate her.
“I have evidence that a meeting was held to plan my assassination and sponsor my recall,” she alleged, naming former Governor Yahaya Bello and the current administration as being complicit.
Allegations, Denials, and Political Crossfire
In a swift response, the Kogi State Government described the senator’s claims as “malicious and unfounded,” accusing her of inciting unrest and showing “blatant disregard for the law.”
“Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using deceit and disruption as political tools,” the state government said in a statement. “Governor Ododo has no interest in her theatrics.”
Amid the controversy, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed it had received a petition to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the commission noted several procedural flaws, including missing contact details and invalid addresses from petitioners.
The petitioners, reportedly led by Charity Ijese, submitted six bags of documents claiming to represent more than half of the 474,554 registered voters across five LGAs: Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene.
INEC initially faulted the submission but later acknowledged receiving updated contact information. The commission has formally notified both the Senate President and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of the petition.
Echoes of Dino Melaye’s Recall Battle
The unfolding drama draws parallels to the failed recall attempt against Senator Dino Melaye in 2018. Despite a large number of collected signatures, only 5.3% of registered voters turned out for verification—well below the required 51%.
Legal challenges and low voter turnout ultimately saved Melaye, raising questions about whether Akpoti-Uduaghan could benefit from similar public apathy or institutional shortcomings.
What the Law Requires for a Recall
Under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, recalling a senator is a rigorous, multi-step process. More than half of registered voters in the affected district must sign a petition, verified through a public INEC process. If the threshold is met, a referendum must then be held and passed by a majority vote.
With over 474,000 registered voters in Kogi Central, at least 237,000 must participate in a recall referendum for it to succeed—a daunting figure given past voter turnout levels in the region.
So far, petitioners have reportedly met only six of the ten constitutional steps required to recall the senator. Whether they can overcome the remaining legal and logistical hurdles remains to be seen.
As the battle intensifies, observers are watching closely to see whether Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will mirror Dino Melaye’s survival or become the first senator in Nigerian history to be successfully recalled.
