Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, is at the centre of a political storm following her recent suspension from the Senate. The development has sparked a recall movement, sharply dividing her constituents and stakeholders.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had been embroiled in a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sitting arrangement in the Senate. But the disagreement escalated into allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, which he denied.
Subsequently, Akpoti-Uduaghan was handed a six-month suspension by the Senate leadership, which claimed the action was unrelated to the harassment allegations but was due to gross misconduct and violation of Senate rules.
Her suspension for six months and the sexual harassment allegation she level against the senate president have fuelled calls for her recall, intensifying political tensions in Kogi Central.
Divided stakeholders
Daily Trust gathered that the recall bid has split the district into two opposing factions: those advocating for her removal and those defending her tenure.
Supporters of the recall, including the Kogi Central Political Frontier (KCPF) and the Kogi Central Women Development Association (KCWDA), accuse Akpoti-Uduaghan of gross misconduct, non-performance, and bringing embarrassment to the district. On the other hand, groups like the Ebira Youth Congress (EYC) and the Kogi Central People’s Alliance (KOCEPA) see the recall move as a politically motivated scheme.
Charity Ijese, spokesperson for KCWDA, argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions have portrayed the district in a negative light. “She failed to use the opportunity given to her to apologise and reconsider her stance. Her suspension means our voices will be silenced for six legislative months, which equates to a full year,” she said.
Ijese further dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio as a distraction tactic. “She has provided no evidence to support her claims,” she added.
Comrade Ivava Bello echoed this sentiment, calling her actions an “empty display of ego” that embarrassed the district nationally. “She lacks the maturity and emotional intelligence needed for leadership,” he said.
Similarly, AbdulHameed Jimoh, coordinator of the Kogi Central Grassroots Movement, accused the senator of prioritising personal interests over the district’s welfare.
Conversely, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters argue that her suspension and recall bid are acts of political persecution. Comrade Ahmed Sakabido, leader of the Ebira Youth Congress, described the situation as “unconstitutional and unjust.”
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has justified our mandate. Her suspension is a disservice to the district,” Sakabido said, demanding justice from the Senate and local stakeholders.
The Kogi Central People’s Alliance (KOCEPA) also condemned the recall bid, calling it “fraught with deceit and mischief.” Comrade Baba Abdulrazak, the coalition’s general coordinator, argued that a legitimate recall should be people-driven, not politically orchestrated.
The Forum of Human Rights Activists in Kogi Central also denounced the recall effort as an “abuse of power.” Usman Mamman, the forum’s coordinator, insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan has provided credible representation.
Despite opposition, recall proponents formally submitted their petition on March 24 to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja.
In a senatorial district where voter turnout for the 2023 election barely exceeded 100,000, proponents of the recall claim to have gathered over 250,000 signatures from Kogi Central’s 480,000 registered voters, meeting INEC’s requirement for initiating the process.
Ijese, who presented the petition to INEC secretary, Mrs Rose Anthony, cited Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for their move. She maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall is in the best interest of the district.
But with Ijese identified as an aide to the Kogi State governor, allegations persist that the government is orchestrating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall to pave the way for former Governor Yahaya Bello to take her place in the Senate.
Counter-protests and support
Proponents of the recall demonstrated on March 17, gathering at different locations to sign the petition. Nura Ibrahim, a voter from Okehi, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of failing to address key issues like poverty, infrastructure, and education. “She ignored stakeholders’ concerns, leaving us with no choice but to recall her,” he said.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters staged a counter-protest on March 18, converging at Itakpe Junction in Okehi. The demonstrators, from Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori-Magongo, Okehi, and Okene local government areas, passed a vote of confidence in her leadership.
“We are proud of the dividends of democracy she has brought to the district,” said Umar Sadiq, a constituent from Okehi.
Women from Ogori-Magongo also took to the streets on March 25, denouncing the recall bid. Bisola Alawo, a community leader, said, “Senator Natasha is a role model for our daughters. She has broken barriers in leadership, and we stand with her.”
Stakeholders weigh in
As the recall process gains momentum, stakeholders remain divided. Some advocate for an amicable resolution rather than escalating hostilities. Others warn that the recall could weaken the district’s political influence.
“Many people are not looking beyond today’s interests,” a senior stakeholder said anonymously. “Regardless of the outcome, this will be a pyrrhic victory for either side. We must prioritise unity over personal politics.”
Others highlight Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contributions, arguing that her suspension should not erase her achievements. “She has initiated meaningful constituency projects,” said Lawal Ojo, a stakeholder in Ajaokuta.
However, critics insist that her recall is necessary to uphold the district’s integrity. “Her behaviour in the Senate has embarrassed us,” said Abdulkareem Abubakar from Okene. “We are known for decorum, and she has failed to uphold that.”
While INEC initially raised concerns on the recall petition due to missing details, including contact information for representatives, the commission confirmed on March 26 that the errors had been corrected.
“The petition now meets legal requirements,” said INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun. “We will scrutinise the signatures to ensure they exceed 50% of registered voters before proceeding further.”
With INEC’s validation, the recall process moves to the next stage, intensifying the political drama in Kogi Central. Observers and stakeholders insist that the coming weeks will determine whether Akpoti-Uduaghan’s opponents can prove their case in what is shaping up to be a contentious battle for her political future.