Electorates in Kogi Central Senatorial District have officially initiated the process to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the district in the National Assembly.
This decision follows growing dissatisfaction among the constituents over her actions in the Senate, particularly after a series of public confrontations with Senate leadership. The recall movement, which formally began on March 19th, 2025, is driven by the belief that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has failed to effectively represent the interests of Kogi Central.
Her controversial actions, including a well-publicized altercation with Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio regarding the reallocation of her seat, have fueled public outrage. The tension between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated after she accused him of sexual harassment, which attracted widespread media attention both locally and internationally.
Many Kogi Central residents are upset by what they view as a diversion from the senator’s core duties, such as securing development for the region. “The people of Kogi Central deserve more than unnecessary squabbles in the Senate. What we need is progress, not distractions,” said Ozovehe Simon, a local resident and concerned constituent.
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The conflict intensified on February 20th, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to comply with a new seating arrangement during a Senate plenary session. This led to a confrontation with Senate leadership. The Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, justified the move using Senate rules, but Akpoti-Uduaghan resisted, sparking an ongoing standoff.
The situation further escalated when she raised the issue with the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York on March 11th, 2025, and failed to attend a Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges hearing, deepening the frustration of her constituents.
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If the recall succeeds, it would mark a historic event as the first recall of a sitting senator since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. The last recall attempt, involving Senator Dino Melaye from Kogi West in 2018, was unsuccessful. As the recall process unfolds, Kogi Central residents eagerly await to see whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will remain in office or be held accountable by her electorate.
