Victor Giwa, one of the attorneys representing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has alleged that the Kogi State Government is behind the effort to recall the suspended female lawmaker, who serves as the senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday, Giwa claimed that the state government, through Charity Omole, an aide to Governor Usman Ododo, has been actively promoting the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The female senator has been embroiled in a dispute regarding seat arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she has also accused of sexual harassment and abuse of power. As a result, the Senate suspended her for six months due to alleged misconduct.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, Omole led a group of constituents from Kogi Central to present a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan. Giwa stated, “The reality is that the recall process cannot succeed unless it is conducted fraudulently,” noting that the process involves approximately 15 stages and is “arduous and nearly impossible.”
Giwa criticized the rationale behind the senator’s recall, asserting that it is not based on issues or her performance, but rather stems from her allegations against Akpabio regarding sexual harassment.
He accused the state government of orchestrating the recall effort against Akpoti-Uduaghan through Omole. “The individual who led that protest is the senior special assistant to the governor of Kogi State on women and youths. This clearly indicates that the recall is government-sponsored, not initiated by the constituents, which fundamentally undermines the legitimacy of the process,” he stated.
The recall process should ideally originate from the constituents; however, it is evident in this situation that the governor appears to be the one attempting to influence the outcome of the claims being made.
As of the time of this report, the state government has not responded to the allegations.
