Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has levelled damning allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of actively facilitating petitioners in what she describes as an unlawful attempt to unseat her.
Speaking on Tuesday during a grand homecoming reception organised by her supporters in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, an event held in defiance of a state government-imposed ban on rallies and processions, Akpoti-Uduaghan voiced grave misgivings regarding INEC’s purported involvement in the contentious recall process.
“What I see INEC doing is aiding and guiding the petitioners on how to perfect their illicit act to recall me,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that when the petition was first submitted, it lacked essential details such as addresses and phone numbers.
According to her, rather than reject the submission outright, INEC assisted the petitioners in providing the necessary details.
“The first time the petition was submitted, they didn’t have an address, phone numbers, and all of that. INEC went out of its way to guide them on how to submit the correct information to perfect their petition,” she stated.
She further disclosed that the group behind the recall effort, the APC Kogi Central Political Frontier, used a fictitious address—Number 4, Ogborokeba, Ogboroke—which, upon investigation, was found to be nonexistent.
“We ran a check on the registration status of the association that sponsored my recall, APC Kogi Central Political Frontier, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) report came back negative. That association is not registered. So, I am still waiting. I am wondering why INEC has not yet made a statement to that effect or sent people down to Ogboroke—which is just five minutes away—to verify whether that address is real.
“Have we stooped to the point where fictitious, nonexistent associations and individuals can call for the recall of a senator? Are we in a kangaroo country? We should not allow that,” she declared.
Regarding the legal implications of the recall process, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed uncertainty about how the situation would unfold, noting that the matter is already before the courts.
“So now, I don’t know whether the process will be stalled, but we are in court as well. I also don’t know when INEC will come down here to verify you. But I will say this—if the time ever comes for the verification of the 250,000 people that supposedly signed for my recall, I trust that you will do what is right. I trust that you will speak the truth,” she told her supporters.
In an emotional moment during her address, Akpoti-Uduaghan reflected on her struggles in politics, particularly as a woman facing challenges similar to those of many Nigerian women in academia and corporate environments.
“I’ve had to sit back and ask myself: What have I done wrong? Should I have kept quiet? Maybe. But for how much longer? How long should I remain silent while they try to erase me from that place? How long should I be invisible and ineffective?
“I know that many women are going through the same thing I went through. Many of our daughters in universities, no matter how intelligent they are, have had lecturers ask them for sexual favours. That’s the reality. Even in the banks and other corporate spaces, we have our wives, sisters, and mothers enduring silent pain despite being married.
“I do not cry today because I feel defeated. I cry because I know that the next time, it will be easier for another woman to pursue her dreams. And hopefully, one day, we will have stronger reforms and laws that protect women in politics, in the corporate world, and in schools.
“Our women will feel safe, whether they are married or not. This is a journey not just for me but for all Nigerian women,” she said.
The senator expressed gratitude to her supporters and urged them to remain steadfast in the face of challenges.
“I am grateful for your support. I am grateful for your love. But it is not over yet. Let’s join hands together and resist the evil intentions of those who do not wish us well.
“We will continue to fight for development, and we will continue to pray to God for guidance, strength, and ultimately, peace in our land,” she added.
“What I see INEC doing is aiding and guiding petitioners on how to perfect their illicit acts,” Senator Natasha said regarding the ongoing recall process.
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