The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) expresses deep concern about the recent developments related to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate and the ensuing efforts to recall her as the elected representative of the Kogi Central Constituency.
Of particular worry is the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which seems to have yielded to political pressures from those orchestrating this recall initiative.
CHRICED urges INEC to remember its constitutional obligation to maintain impartiality, uphold democratic values, and resist being manipulated as a tool for political victimization.
Natasha Akpoti has faced vilification, assault, and violation primarily due to the unfortunate circumstance of being a woman in a male-dominated Nigerian society where patriarchal norms prevail. In addition to her gender, she is a member of the opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Furthermore, Natasha is not one to be easily subdued; she is outspoken, courageous, and unafraid to confront both powerful individuals and systemic injustices. As a result, there are efforts to silence her or compel her to align with corrupt political figures.
A significant attempt to undermine Natasha’s candidacy occurred just before the 2023 parliamentary elections when critical roads leading to Kogi Central senatorial district—her constituency—were deliberately destroyed.
Despite these challenges, she garnered support from her constituents, yet the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) robbed her of victory and declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate the victor.
Natasha was compelled to appeal to the Election Tribunal to secure her rightful victory five months after her colleagues had already been sworn into the Senate.
However, her adversaries remain relentless. As Natasha’s reputation grew as a symbol of hope for women, the APC Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, allegedly resorted to sexual harassment. When she resisted his advances, she faced a swift six-month suspension under harsh conditions through an orchestrated “change of seat and misconduct.”
True to her fighting spirit, Natasha has brought her grievances to the attention of the public, the courts, and the international community.
Consequently, there are plans to politically silence her permanently through an orchestrated recall. To achieve this agenda, the ruling APC government in Kogi State has deployed the state machinery to execute this project of recall, and again with INEC implicated in this unwholly scheme.
At CHRICED, we find it essential to present the facts clearly to avoid misleading those who may not discern the truth.
The Kogi State government, which previously protected Yahaya Bello during the EFCC’s investigation into his alleged embezzlement of over 110 billion Naira of state funds, is now energized by the ongoing recall of Senator Natasha. With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seemingly complicit, they are optimistic about the outcome, viewing the recall as a foregone conclusion.
As this process unfolds, CHRICED would not be surprised if Yahaya Bello were to assume Senator Natasha’s position, thereby adding to the roster of APC political figures purportedly entangled in corruption within the government.
Reminiscent of the troubling era of dictators Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, when organizations like the Association of Better Nigeria (ABN) and Youth Earnestly Ask for Abacha (YEAN) emerged in the 1990s, the recent recall petition submitted by a nebulous group named “Concerned Kogi Youths and Women,” led by Charity Ijese Omole, who serves as the Special Adviser on Youth and Women Affairs to Governor Ahmed Musa Ododo of Kogi State, has drawn attention.
This context explains the apparent vested interest of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in this situation.
It is noteworthy that INEC has earlier acknowledged procedural irregularities associated with the recall petition for Senator Natasha. According to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a senator can only be recalled under specific circumstances.
A petition must be submitted to INEC, requiring signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the senator’s constituency, clearly indicating a loss of confidence in the senator’s capacity to serve.
INEC is responsible for verifying the legitimacy of the collected signatures to ensure they are valid and represent actual voters. Following this verification, INEC is mandated to conduct a referendum within 90 days, where a simple majority of voters must support the recall for it to succeed.
It is therefore concerning that INEC, which initially dismissed the recall petition due to inconsistencies and non-compliance with constitutional stipulations, has altered its position within a mere three days. This abrupt change raises significant concerns regarding INEC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Just like INEC’s summersault, a Kogi State High Court initially issued an order stopping the recall process but later reversed its decision under questionable circumstances.
CHRICED is also aware, as widely reported, that many constituents of Senator Natasha were deceived into signing the recall petition under the false impression that they were signing empowerment initiative launched by the Kogi State Government.
Considering this situation, we strongly calls on the relevant government agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this misleading action and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their conduct.
It is imperative that such deceptive practices are addressed to maintain the integrity of the democratic process and protect the interests of the constituents.
We strongly urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritize democratic principles and the Rule of Law by promptly conducting a comprehensive review of the recall petition.
Should any discrepancies, fraudulent signatures, or procedural irregularities be identified during this assessment, it is imperative that INEC withdraws the recall notice.
If the recall process continues, it is vital that INEC carries it out with the utmost neutrality, professionalism, and transparency, while ensuring close monitoring by civil society organizations and the media.
Additionally, INEC must acknowledge that its activities, including this recall process, are financed by taxpayer funds. Any misuse of public resources for politically motivated purposes not only jeopardizes the interests of the Nigerian people but also contravenes the fundamental principles of democratic governance. INEC should also be mindful of the recent unfavorable scrutiny it has faced.
We urge INEC to resist any attempts at manipulation by politicians aiming to suppress a vocal senator. A failure to maintain fairness and transparency in this process will only diminish public trust in the Commission’s integrity and, consequently, in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
CHRICED calls upon all conscientious Nigerians, civil society organizations, and advocates for human rights to speak out against this injustice.
We reiterate our demand for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down while an independent entity carries out a thorough and unbiased investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made against him.
His continued leadership of the Senate in light of such serious accusations undermines the principles of justice and due process.
No amount of diversion, including the recall of Natasha, can diminish the gravity of the sexual harassment claims against him.
It is on record that Godswill Akpabio has a concerning history of alleged sexual harassment towards women, which has at times earned him a slap in the face. We remain steadfast in our quest for justice until Senator Natasha, along with other victimized women, receives the justice they rightfully deserves.
Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi
Executive Director
