NIGERIA: Recall Process Of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Begins In Kogi

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The recall process for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has commenced, with reports indicating that the exercise is gaining momentum in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

One of her constituents, Nuhu Usman, took to Facebook on Wednesday, sharing images of people gathered at a polling unit in Okehi. “The recall exercise of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from various wards is successful in Okehi Local Government of Kogi State.

“The good people of Okehi LGA have spoken,” Nuhu wrote.

The recall process follows a series of political battles between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which led to her recent suspension from the Senate.

The Kogi Central senator had been at loggerheads with Akpabio over allegations of injustice and exclusion in the Senate. She accused the Senate leadership of sidelining her in committee appointments and attempting to silence opposition voices.

Her troubles escalated when she openly challenged Akpabio on the Senate floor over issues relating to the change of seating arrangement at the senate. This confrontation led to her suspension in March 2025, on allegations of misconduct and breach of Senate rules.

Despite the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained politically active. In a bold move, she attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, where she raised concerns about legislative independence and the alleged suppression of dissenting voices in Nigeria’s Senate.

Her appearance at the international forum sparked further controversy, with some seeing it as an act of defiance against Akpabio’s leadership.

Under the Nigerian Constitution, a senator can be recalled if at least 50% of registered voters in the senatorial district sign a petition. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must then verify the signatures before conducting a referendum.

So far, there has been no official statement from Akpoti-Uduaghan or INEC regarding the recall.