Former Governor Yahaya Bello Supporters Submit Petition to Recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

A group of registered voters from the Kogi Central Senatorial District has submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The petition, dated March 21, 2025, was officially submitted on March 24, 2025, at the INEC headquarters in Abuja by the Concerned Kogi Youth and Women group.

Charity Ijoshe Omole, leader of the group, stated that they had lost confidence in the senator due to her suspension from the Senate. She emphasized the need for representation and asserted that over 250,000 voters had signed the petition for her recall out of the 488,000 registered voters in Kogi Central.

Leader, Concerned Kogi Youths, Charity Ijoshe Omole, who submitted a petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The petition, addressed to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and titled “Constituents Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” invoked the group's rights under Nigerian law to demand the senator’s removal. The petition cited Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and INEC’s regulations on recall petitions.

The petitioners recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan was declared the Senator of Kogi Central following a verdict by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on October 31, 2023, which affirmed her as the winner of the February 25, 2023, senatorial election. However, they alleged that her tenure had been marked by gross misconduct, abuse of office, and evasion of due process, which had embarrassed the constituency and tarnished the Senate’s integrity. The petition demanded that INEC commence the necessary procedures to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan and declare her seat vacant.

Charity Ijoshe Omole pictured with former Governor Yahaya Bello

Amid the recall process, reactions surfaced regarding a woman reportedly leading the signature collection, who was pictured with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The former governor is currently facing multiple corruption allegations, including money laundering charges involving N80 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Bello diverted over N110 billion in public funds during his tenure.

The case against Bello has attracted public scrutiny, with many questioning the effectiveness of anti-corruption safeguards for public officials. Experts view the proceedings as a crucial test for the EFCC’s ability to pursue high-profile cases, particularly as calls for transparency and accountability in governance continue to grow.

People are wondering how Charity Ijoshe Omole with only 224 followers on Facebook was able to gather 250,000 Kogi voters to sign petition for the recall of Senator Natasha H Akpoti in a few days