Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Accuses INEC Of Aiding Petitioners In Recall Process

Lokoja,  Kogi State– Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of assisting petitioners in their attempt to recall her from office.

She alleged that INEC was guiding and aiding the petitioners in perfecting their petition against her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made these claims on Tuesday during her visit to Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, where she received a grand homecoming from supporters despite a state government ban on rallies and processions.

“Exactly. The first time the petition was submitted, it lacked critical details such as addresses and phone numbers. INEC then went out of its way to guide them on how to submit the necessary information to make the petition valid,” she stated.

The senator further alleged that the petitioners, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kogi Central Political Frontier, submitted a letterhead with a fictitious address.

“The address they provided was Number 4, Ogborokeba, Ogboroke. That address does not exist,” she said.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, an investigation into the registration status of the APC Kogi Central Political Frontier with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revealed that the group was not registered.

“We conducted a check, and the CAC report confirmed that the association sponsoring my recall is not registered. I am still waiting for INEC to make a statement on this or at least send officials to verify the authenticity of the given address, which is just five minutes away. Are we in a situation where fictitious, non-existent associations and individuals can call for the recall of a senator? Are we in a kangaroo country? We should not allow this to stand,” Akpoti-Uduaghan explained.

Speaking on the recall process, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed uncertainty about the next steps, noting that the matter is also before the courts.

“I don’t know whether the process will be stalled, but we are in court. Also, I don’t know when INEC officials will come down to verify the 250,000 people who allegedly signed for my recall. However, I trust that when the time comes, you will do the right thing. I trust you will speak the truth,” she told her supporters.

Beyond the recall petition, the senator also opened up about the challenges she has faced as a female politician, reflecting on the struggles women endure in various sectors.

“I have had to sit back and ask myself, what have I done wrong? Should I have kept quiet? How much longer should I remain silent while attempts are made to render me invisible and ineffective? How long should I stay quiet, knowing that many women are going through the same struggles I have faced? she questioned emotionally.

She lamented the systemic discrimination and harassment that many women face in academia and the workplace.

“Many of our daughters in universities, no matter how intelligent they are, have faced situations where lecturers demand sexual favors. This is a reality. Even in the banking sector and corporate spaces, married women, our sisters, and our mothers endure silent pain. I cry today so that tomorrow, it will be easier for another woman to stand up. One day, we will have stronger reforms and laws to protect women in politics, corporate environments, and educational institutions,” she affirmed.

Akpoti-Uduaghan urged her supporters to remain steadfast in resisting what she described as evil intentions against her and the people she represents.

“This is a journey not just for myself but for all Nigerian women. I am grateful for your support and love. It is not over yet. Let’s join hands and resist these evil plans. We voted for progress and economic development, and we will continue to pray for guidance, strength, and peace in our land,” Akpoti-Uduaghan added.