Constituents reject claims of political influence in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall

Indigenes of Kogi Central have rejected claims that the recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan lacks popular support, insisting that the move is driven by the electorate and not external influence.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), led by President Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim and Secretary Prince Akerejola Johnson, declared that the senator’s actions had brought shame to the district on a global scale.

The group dismissed suggestions that the recall effort was orchestrated by political opponents, asserting that the people of Kogi Central were united in their decision.

“No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are largely united on this cause. From the history of Ebiras, you know we cannot be deceived. What she has done has been mainly propaganda. Even some of us that supported her on social media then are no longer with her. We cannot trade the integrity of the state and Nigeria for the selfish, juvenile tendencies of a Senator,” the statement read.

“A matter as simple as not taking an assigned seat in the Senate should not be one that would warrant a sexual harassment national embarrassment of this nature, especially where all evidences point to blackmail. This is not who we are as Ebiras,” the statement said.

Addressing the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) response to the recall process, the group clarified that the electoral body has no official role until after the signature collection phase is completed.

“INEC has no official role until after this signature collection phase. We are the ones that are doing the recall, the petitioners. We have to ensure that the required threshold is met before formally presenting it for verification. This is where INEC comes in,” the statement added.

The statement further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of disrespecting the Senate’s established procedures and lacking an understanding of legislative conduct.

“For us as Ebira people, we are determined to bring her back home. While she is at home, she may learn the rudiments of representation better. Lawmaking is not about content creation,” the group said.

They insisted that the senator’s actions had disrespected the institution of the National Assembly and were unprecedented in Nigeria’s legislative history.

While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp has dismissed the recall efforts as politically motivated, the controversy continues to divide opinion within Kogi Central.