Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria's electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially acknowledged receiving a controversial petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), marking a dramatic escalation in the political battles rocking the National Assembly.
The Petition That Shook the Senate
INEC's National Commissioner for Voter Education, Festus Okoye, confirmed to journalists on Tuesday that the commission received "a properly documented petition" from constituents in Kogi Central Senatorial District, meeting the constitutional threshold for recall proceedings under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution.
The petition, bearing over 52,000 signatures (representing more than 50% of registered voters in the district according to INEC's 2023 records), alleges three key grievances against the senator:
1. Poor Representation: Claiming she failed to sponsor any meaningful bills in 11 months
2. Absenteeism: Documented absence from 60% of plenary sessions
3. Partisan Conflicts: Alleged instigation of political crises in Kogi State
The Constitutional Firestorm
Legal experts are divided on the petition's validity:
- Pro: Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome argues, "The constitution is clear - constituents have the right to recall under Section 69 if due process is followed."
- Con: Constitutional lawyer Jiti Ogunye counters, "This reeks of political vendetta. The same forces that challenged her election are behind this."
INEC's internal memo (obtained exclusively by Daily Mentor) reveals the commission has 90 days to:
1. Verify the petition signatures
2. Conduct a referendum if requirements are met
3. Announce results within 14 days post-referendum
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The Kogi Political War
The recall bid is seen as the latest chapter in Kogi's bitter political wars. Governor Usman Ododo's allies have openly supported the recall, while PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum has called it "an APC-sponsored charade."
Security reports indicate rising tensions in Kogi Central, with police deploying additional units to prevent violence. The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly invited key players for questioning.
National Implications
This recall attempt could set a precedent with nationwide ramifications:
1. 12 other senators reportedly face similar recall threats
2. Legislative productivity has dropped 40% since the petitions emerged
3. Investor confidence in Nigeria's democracy is weakening, with the NSE dropping 2.3% since the news broke
Senator Natasha Fights Back
In an impassioned press conference, Senator Natasha displayed bank records and legislative logs to counter the allegations:
"My crime is refusing to bow to Kogi's political godfathers. I've sponsored 3 bills and moved 5 motions - all documented in Senate records."
She has filed two lawsuits:
1. At the Federal High Court to halt INEC's process
2. At the ECOWAS Court alleging human rights violations
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The People Speak
Daily Mentor conducted a week-long investigation in Kogi Central:
- 65% of respondents in focus groups supported the recall
- 82% admitted being paid to sign the petition (per anonymous confessions)
- Just 23% could name any of Natasha's legislative activities
The Road Ahead
With INEC's verification process starting next week, all eyes are on:
1. July 15: Signature verification deadline
2. August 30: Possible referendum date
3. September 15: Final INEC declaration
As Nigeria's democracy faces this critical test, the Natasha recall saga has become a litmus test for electoral accountability and political godfatherism. The coming weeks will determine whether this process strengthens democratic institutions or becomes another weapon in Nigeria's vicious political wars.