The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed deep concern over the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, describing it as a political scheme aimed at silencing her.
Development Diaries reports that the civil society organisation (CSO) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain its impartiality and resist external pressures influencing the process.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, CHRICED highlighted what it described as a pattern of political victimisation against Senator Natasha.
The group noted that the senator has faced persistent attacks due to her gender and her stance as an opposition politician under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). CHRICED also pointed to her vocal criticism of corrupt practices and powerful political figures as a major reason behind attempts to remove her from office.
The organisation recalled the challenges Natasha faced before securing her Senate seat, including the destruction of major roads leading to her constituency before the 2023 elections.
CHRICED accused INEC of initially denying her rightful victory and only restoring her mandate after she pursued legal action. However, despite her eventual emergence as a senator, CHRICED said Natasha has continued to face political hostility.
Citing the latest suspension of Senator Natasha by the Senate under contentious circumstances, CHRICED alleged that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, played a role in orchestrating the six-month suspension after she reportedly resisted his advances.
The organisation described the recall efforts as a continuation of political persecution aimed at permanently sidelining her from governance.
The statement also raised concerns about the involvement of the Kogi State government in the recall process. CHRICED accused the state administration of mobilising resources to orchestrate the petition against Senator Natasha while simultaneously shielding former Governor Yahaya Bello from accountability over allegations of mismanaging N110 billion in state funds.
The group warned that the recall exercise could be a strategy to create an opportunity for another politically connected figure to assume Natasha’s Senate seat.
Furthermore, CHRICED questioned the legitimacy of the recall petition, which was reportedly spearheaded by a group named ‘Concerned Kogi Youths and Women’ and led by Charity Omole, a Special Adviser in the Kogi State Government.
The organisation linked the petition to state-backed political interests and raised alarm over INEC’s sudden reversal after initially dismissing the recall petition over procedural flaws.
CHRICED called for transparency and fairness in handling the matter to prevent the electoral body from becoming a tool for political victimisation.
The civic rights organisation also cited reports that many constituents were allegedly deceived into signing the recall petition under the pretext of an empowerment initiative. It called for an investigation into the claims to ensure that the democratic process remains credible and that the interests of the people are genuinely represented.
CHRICED urged INEC to conduct a thorough review of the recall petition, ensure that all signatures are verified, and reject the petition if any irregularities are discovered.
‘We strongly urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritize democratic principles and the Rule of Law by promptly conducting a comprehensive review of the recall petition. Should any discrepancies, fraudulent signatures, or procedural irregularities be identified during this assessment, it is imperative that INEC withdraws the recall notice’, the statement read.
In addition to addressing the recall, CHRICED renewed its call for Senate President Akpabio to step down to allow for an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him.
The group maintained that the recall of Senator Natasha should not be used as a distraction from the need for accountability in the Senate.
Photo source: Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim/Facebook
