A controversial attempt to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken a bizarre turn, as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has denied the existence of the group leading the charge. The so-called Kogi Central Political Frontier, which petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the senator’s removal, is not a legally registered entity, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the entire process.
A SHADOWY PETITION: WHO IS BEHIND IT?
On March 25, 2025, an unsigned group claiming to represent the interests of Kogi Central constituents submitted a petition to INEC, demanding that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan be recalled. However, in response to inquiries about the group’s legal status, CAC Registrar General, Mainunat Hamu Modi, confirmed that no such organization is registered with the commission.
A letter from the CAC stated:
“Kindly be informed that the exact name, Kogi Central Political Frontier, is not available on record as a registered entity with the Commission. Furthermore, be guided that the Commission does not register political bodies or pressure groups.”
Despite this damning revelation, INEC proceeded to accept the recall petition after the petitioners provided their contact details, overturning an earlier rejection due to a lack of verifiable information.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS: IS THIS A POLITICAL SETUP?
Critics are now questioning how an unregistered and faceless group was able to submit a petition of such magnitude. Who are the real forces behind this recall attempt? Is this a genuine grassroots movement or a politically motivated attack against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan?
The petitioners accuse the senator of failing to engage with her constituents, claiming she has not addressed their concerns. A representative of the group stated:
“From the process the Kogi Central Indigenous people have carried out so far, this would be the first successful recall. We have spoken with one voice. We need a credible representative.”
However, the mystery surrounding the group’s legitimacy has cast doubt on the credibility of the entire recall effort.
SENATOR NATASHA RESPONDS: ‘I HAVEN’T BEEN SERVED’
As the controversy deepens, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has refuted claims that she has been officially notified of the recall process. When contacted for confirmation, she dismissed the situation as chaotic and legally questionable.
“I haven’t been served. Guess publishing it on their social media handles suffices? I will ask my lawyers. It’s all crazy,” she said.
INEC, in a notice dated March 25, 2025, claimed that it had received a petition signed by “representatives of registered voters” in Kogi Central, seeking her removal. However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan insists she has yet to receive any formal notification.
WHAT NEXT? A LEGAL BATTLE LOOMS
With INEC officially accepting the petition, the stage is set for a legal and political showdown. Can a recall process be based on a petition from an unregistered, unidentified group? Will Senator Natasha challenge the process in court?
As Nigerians watch closely, this unfolding drama could have major implications for democracy, electoral integrity, and political maneuvering in the country.
