Constituents: We’ll use all legal means to recall Natasha

Some constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have vowed never to back down on the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate.

The constituents insisted that they would fine-tune the process.

The constituents, in a statement issued by Salihu Habib on Thursday, April 3, 2025, said there was no going back on their resolve to bring Akpoti-Uduaghan back home.

They, however, thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for validating 208,132 (43.86 per cent) signatures in the petition earlier submitted to the electoral umpire for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.

The renewed determination by the concerned constituents was sequel to INEC’s declaration of some defects in the recall petition they had hitherto presented to it.

INEC had, in a statement on Thursday, said the petition failed to meet the minimum requirement prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The constituents, who are registered voters of Kogi Central, said they had mobilised more than the 50 per cent plus one threshold of registered voters and submitted their petition with full documentation.

They, however, noted that the validation of 43.86 per cent by INEC was a confirmation that Kogi Central constituents had rejected the senator.

INEC: Why we rejected Natasha’s recall petition

They said: “Apparently, INEC cancelled not less than 35,000 signatures from the administrative signatures collected.

“We will liaise with INEC within the full ambit of the constitution and regulations to demand transparency in the handling of our petition.

“We have utmost confidence in the commission not to subject the recall process to ambiguity or administrative opacity.”

The constituents expressed gratitude to INEC for proving naysayers, who queried the authenticity of their figures, wrong.

“We thank INEC for making it clear that the bulk of the people of Kogi Central are behind us and that we did not import a crowd like a desperate, embattled lawmaker,” they added.

The petitioners insisted that the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan “for misconduct and divisiveness” was non-negotiable.

The constituents stated: “We are firm in our resolve to restore dignified and collaborative representation to Kogi Central Senatorial District. We will no longer indulge someone who will do and say anything just to remain politically relevant.

“The whole of Nigeria watched her deceptive rally last Tuesday, where she openly made comments capable of setting, not just Kogi State, but Nigeria ablaze.

“We will pursue all lawful and constitutional means to ensure our voices are heard and respected. After God, power belongs to the people.”

The Star