March 24, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, received a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly.
In a post on its official Facebook page, INEC said the petition received on Monday by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Rose Oriaran Anthony, and other senior staff members, was submitted by registered voters from the Kogi West Senatorial District.
“Earlier today, the Hon. Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Rose Oriaran Anthony, and other senior staff members of the Commission received a petition from registered voters from the Kogi West Senatorial District for the recall of the Senator representing the District, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“The petition was submitted on their behalf by a team led by the Chairperson of the Kogi Women Development Association, Omole Charity Ijese”, the post read.
This is coming less than a week, after the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, set aside an interim injunction restraining INEC, its staff, or agents from receiving, accepting, or acting on any petition containing fictitious signatures of purported members of the Kogi Central Senatorial District for the recall of Senator Natasha.
Last Thursday, the court granted an ex-parte application seeking to stop the electoral umpire from acting on the recall process initiated by the constituents of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
THEWILL had reported the uproar at the Senate plenary on 20th February as a dispute over seating arrangements led to a heated exchange between Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The commotion began after the Kogi Senator voiced her displeasure at the change of her seat. But Natasha had accused Akpabio of persistent sexual advances. She claimed that Akpabio’s hostility toward her stems from her refusal to entertain them.
The Kogi Central Senator had been suspended for six months for misconduct and violation of Senate rules. Her suspension includes the withdrawal of her salary, and security details, barred access to the National Assembly premises and identifying herself as a senator. 
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
