A petition seeking the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday.
The petition, signed by over 250 constituents, alleges “loss of confidence” in the senator due to what they describe as “gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of due process.”
Dated March 21, 2025, and addressed to the INEC Chairman, the petition invokes Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and INEC’s regulations on recall petitions.
The petition, which was received and stamped by INEC read, “We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.”
The petitioners further note that Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as Senator through a verdict of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on October 31, 2023, which affirmed her as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and winner of the February 25, 2023, Kogi Central Senatorial election.
However, the signatories claim their move is driven by dissatisfaction with her conduct in office.
It said, “This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a litany of actions that have not only embarrassed the people of Kogi Central constituency but also tainted the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our democratic institutions.”
The petitioners also assert that the document had been signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central and demand INEC’s immediate intervention:
“By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than one-half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby request that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately commence the constitutionally approved process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant.”
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate six months for gross misconduct.
Read also: INEC receives petition seeking to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from senate
The Kogi–Central senator is yet to return to the country after traveling for the InterParliamentary Union meeting held in New York earlier in the month where she brought forward allegations of sexual harassment against Godswill Akpabio, the Senate president.
Step by Step process of recalling a senator
The recall of a senator in Nigeria is governed by Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
It is a rigorous, multi-stage process that involves the participation of the senator’s constituents, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the National Assembly.
Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how a senator can be recalled:
Step 1: Petition for Recall
A petition for the recall of a senator must be initiated by registered voters in the senator’s constituency.
The petition must be signed by at least 50% of registered voters in that constituency.
The petition must state the reasons for the recall, which could include poor representation, misconduct, or loss of confidence.
Step 2: Submission of the Petition to INEC
The petition is submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Following the submission, INEC verifies whether the petition meets the constitutional requirement of being signed by at least half of the registered voters in the senator’s constituency.
Step 3: Verification of Signatures by INEC
INEC thereafter, organises a verification exercise to confirm the authenticity of the signatures.
This is done at designated polling units in the affected senatorial district.
If the signatures meet the required threshold, INEC proceeds to the next step.
If the signatures do not meet the threshold, the process is terminated.
Step 4: Referendum (Recall Election)
If the petition is verified, INEC organizes a referendum (recall election) within 90 days from the date of receiving the petition.
The referendum allows voters in the senatorial district to decide whether or not the senator should be recalled.
For the recall to succeed, at least 50% plus one of registered voters in the constituency must vote in favour of the recall.
Read also: I never apologised for speaking my truth, Natasha disowns apology reports
Step 5: Declaration of Recall Outcome
If the required majority votes for recall, INEC certifies and sends the result to the Senate President.
The Senate President is then legally obligated to declare the senator’s seat vacant.
Step 6: Conduct of a Fresh Election
Once a senator is recalled, INEC is required to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
The political parties field new candidates, and a fresh election is held in the affected senatorial district.
Challenges and Considerations
High Threshold for Recall
The requirement that 50% of registered voters must sign the petition and participate in the recall process makes it extremely difficult to achieve.
Political and Legal Interference
The recall process is often subject to political drama and legal battles.
Lack of Awareness and Participation:
Many voters are either unaware of their recall rights or uninterested in the process.
Conclusion
The recall process for a senator in Nigeria is long and difficult, making it almost impossible in practical terms.
Since 1999, no Nigerian senator has ever been successfully recalled due to the stringent requirements and political complexities involved.
However, the constitutional provision remains a tool for accountability if citizens organise effectively.
What does the Constitution say?
The recall of a senator in Nigeria is governed by Chapeter 5 Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Recall of a Member of the National Assembly
A member of the Senate or the House of Representatives may be recalled if:
(a) A petition signed by more than half of the registered voters in the member’s constituency is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alleging their loss of confidence in the member.
(b) The petition is verified by INEC and found to be valid.
(c) INEC conducts a referendum within 90 days of receiving the petition.
(d) If a simple majority of the registered voters in the constituency vote in favor of the recall, the member stands removed.
