Breaking: INEC Takes Action Against Senator Natasha Akpoti, Recall Process Begins

Legal Team of Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Demands Proper Service of Recall Petition

Hey there, Naija News followers! Let me break this down for you. The lawyer representing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from her position as the senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District, has sent a formal letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The letter insists that the recall petition, along with all its supporting documents, be properly served through the law firm of J.S Okutepa SAN & Co.

Here's the deal: Natasha’s legal team, led by Adanu Emmanuel Ogwiji, isn’t messing around. They want to ensure their client's constitutional right to a fair hearing is respected. In a letter dated March 28, 2025, addressed to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the law firm emphasized the urgency of the matter. Ogwiji stated that the client’s legal rights should not be overlooked in this process.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Ogwiji’s team has reached out to INEC on this matter. Back on March 24, 2025, they already made the same request, but it seems like INEC hasn’t taken swift action. Ogwiji reiterated that the INEC chairman must ensure the petition and all its attachments are served within 24 hours of the latest letter’s receipt.

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Why This Recall Process Matters

Let’s dive deeper into what’s at stake here. The letter from Natasha’s legal team highlights a critical legal precedent set in a previous case involving Senator Dino Melaye and INEC. In that case, the Federal High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Dr. Nnamdi O. Dimgba, emphasized the importance of transparency in public matters, especially in recall processes.

The court made it clear that failing to provide affected parties with the necessary documents can breed suspicion and harm public perception. The judge even went as far as saying that agencies like INEC should ensure that affected parties, like Natasha Akpoti, are provided with a copy of the petition and all accompanying documents. This includes the petition itself, the schedule of signatures, and the full list of supporters of the recall process.

The letter reads: “It is when agencies refuse to do simple things such as releasing petitions and accompanying documents to the affected persons that suspicions arise. This can easily be avoided.” It’s clear that Natasha’s legal team is pulling out all the stops to ensure her rights are protected.

What Happens Next?

Ogwiji’s letter is firm but polite, urging INEC to comply within 24 hours. If INEC doesn’t act, Natasha’s team will consider it a deliberate attempt to undermine their client’s fundamental rights. They warn that such actions not only sabotage Natasha’s right to a fair hearing but also undermine the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other relevant laws.

Wrapping it up, the letter concludes with a professional tone, reiterating the request for the petition and all attachments to be served promptly. Ogwiji’s team hopes INEC will act swiftly and transparently to uphold justice and fairness in this high-stakes political process.

So, there you have it. This recall process is more than just a legal battle—it’s a test of transparency and accountability in our democracy. Let’s see how INEC responds in the coming days. Stay tuned, folks!

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