Natasha Akpoti Engages Constituents, Alleges INEC Bias in Recall Process

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of prejudice in her recall from the senate.

She noted this while addressing her supporters on Tuesday in Okehi LGA of Kogi

The senator, who came on a helicopter, broke security restrictions put on the state hours to her homecoming rally.

“What I see INEC doing is aiding and guiding petitioners on how to perfect their illicit acts,” she said while addressing the jubilant crowd.

“The first time the petition was submitted, they didn’t have address and phone numbers, so INEC went out to guide them on how to submit information that will perfect their petition.

ALSO READ Atiku Warns On BVAS Security Risks

“And what did they do? The petitioners, who were from the other party, the APC, submitted a letterhead. What was the name of it? Kogi Central Political Frontier. And the address there was number 4, Oboroke.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the address does not exist, adding that she ran a check on the status of registration of Kogi Central Political Frontier, the association which sponsored her recall.

“And the CAC report came negative, that the association is not registered,” she added.

“So, I’m still waiting and wondering why INEC has not yet made a statement to that effect or sent people down to Oboroke here, which is just five minutes away, to ascertain whether that address is real.

ALSO READ INEC Cleanses Voter Registers of Deceased Voters and AI Images

“Or have we stooped to the point whereby fictitious, non-existing associations and individuals can call for the recall of a senator? Are we in a kangaroo country? We should not allow that.

“I don’t know whether the process will be stalled, but we are in courts as well. Also, I don’t know when they will come down here to verify.

“But I will say this, if the time ever comes for the verification of the 250,000 people that signed for my recall, I trust that you will do right.”

The senator’s return comes after the Kogi state government prohibited public gatherings and rallies over purported security concerns.

ALSO READ FCT Reps Candidate Tasks Parties On Voter Education Ahead 2027

The Intercept reported that Amoka Monday, chairman of Okehi LGA, also imposed a curfew over the council area in a statement on Tuesday.