Indigenes of Kogi Central have strongly refuted claims that the ongoing recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan lacks the backing of the majority in the senatorial district.
They maintained that the move was widely supported across the five local government areas, emphasizing that the senator’s actions had brought significant embarrassment to the region, even on an international scale.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF) reaffirmed their commitment to the recall process.
The statement was signed by its President, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim, and Secretary, Prince Akerejola Johnson of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area.
Dismissing allegations that the exercise was manipulated, the constituents urged Nigerians to ignore attempts by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp to discredit the process.
“No one is behind this recall except the people. The Ebira people are known for their independent thinking—we cannot be misled. Many of us who previously supported her have now withdrawn our backing. We refuse to compromise the integrity of our state and country for the personal and impulsive actions of a senator,” the statement read.
They particularly criticized her handling of a recent Senate seating dispute, which they said had been turned into an unnecessary controversy involving allegations of sexual harassment.
Regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) response to the recall effort, the group clarified that the electoral body’s involvement would come at a later stage.
“INEC’s role begins after the signature collection phase. As petitioners, we must first meet the required threshold before INEC can proceed with verification,” the statement explained.
The constituents urged the public to disregard politically motivated interpretations of the recall, insisting that their decision was in the best interest of Kogi Central.
“As Ebira people, we are determined to bring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan back home. Perhaps, during her time away from the Senate, she will learn the principles of proper legislative representation.
“Ordinarily, we would defend one of our own against any form of intimidation. However, in this case, she has disrespected the Nigerian Senate by disregarding its established rules and escalating the matter with narratives that have never been part of the Senate’s history.
“We have conducted our investigations and know the truth. The Senate is not a platform for content creation—it requires serious lawmaking,” the statement concluded.
The recall process follows recent controversies in the National Assembly, including allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which emerged after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was penalized for failing to adhere to Senate protocols.