Natasha Akpoti: Ensuring Recall Is Not a Tool for Silencing Dissent

By Chinomso Momoh
March 25, 2025

The unfolding situation surrounding the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raises significant concerns about due process, political interference, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Development Diaries reports that about 250,000 ‘registered voters’ in Kogi Central have submitted a recall petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

While the recall of a legislator is a constitutional right of the constituents, it is important for INEC to ensure the process is free from manipulation.

Viral videos on social media show instances of individuals forging signatures, raising serious doubts about the legitimacy of the petition.

How they get signatures for recall kogi style. pic.twitter.com/9GJHYID4r1

— oseni rufai (@ruffydfire) March 24, 2025

Also, the sudden loss of confidence in the senator by her ‘constituents’ suggests that this recall effort may be politically motivated rather than a genuine demand from the people of Kogi Central.

The timing of this recall effort cannot be ignored. It coincides with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

This raises questions about whether the recall is a legitimate expression of voters’ dissatisfaction or a retaliatory move orchestrated by political interests seeking to silence her.

INEC must therefore act impartially, ensuring that the recall process is not being weaponised to suppress dissent or punish a senator for speaking out against alleged misconduct.

A recall should reflect the true will of the people, not serve as a tool for political persecution. INEC’s role in this matter is critical; it must not only verify the signatures but also ensure that the process remains free from external influence.

In light of this, INEC needs to thoroughly verify the authenticity of the signatures submitted by the petitioners to prevent electoral fraud and uphold the sanctity of the recall process.

Development Diaries calls on the commission to conduct an independent audit, cross-checking the signatures against the official voter register and ensuring that each signatory willingly participated in the process.

If fraudulent activities are discovered, those responsible must be held accountable to maintain public trust in the electoral system.

Furthermore, we reiterate our calls for an independent investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghen’s allegations against Senator Akpabio. The Nigerian Senate must prove that it stands for justice and fairness.