Don’t be tool for political persecution in Natasha’s recall – CHRICED warns INEC

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to resist political pressure and uphold democratic principles in the ongoing recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

CHRICED expressed deep concern over what it described as a politically motivated attempt to silence the senator.

The centre insisted that INEC must not allow itself to be used as an instrument of persecution.

The organization, in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, called for transparency, adherence to due process, and impartiality in handling the recall petition, warning that any compromise could undermine public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The statement reads:

“The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) expresses deep concern about the recent developments related to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate and the ensuing efforts to recall her as the elected representative of Kogi Central Constituency.

“Of particular concern is the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which seems to have yielded to political pressures from those orchestrating this recall initiative.

“CHRICED urges INEC to remember its constitutional obligation to maintain impartiality, uphold democratic values, and resist being manipulated as a tool for political victimization.

“Natasha Akpoti has faced vilification, assault, and violations primarily due to the unfortunate circumstance of being a woman in a male-dominated Nigerian society, where patriarchal norms prevail. In addition to her gender, she is a member of the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“It is noteworthy that INEC has earlier acknowledged procedural irregularities associated with the recall petition for Senator Natasha. According to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a senator can only be recalled under specific circumstances.

“A petition must be submitted to INEC, requiring signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the senator's constituency, clearly indicating a loss of confidence in the senator's capacity to serve. INEC is responsible for verifying the legitimacy of the collected signatures to ensure they are valid and represent actual voters.

“Following this verification, INEC is mandated to conduct a referendum within 90 days, where a simple majority of voters must support the recall for it to succeed. It is therefore concerning that INEC, which initially dismissed the recall petition due to inconsistencies and non-compliance with constitutional stipulations, has altered its position within a mere three days.

“This abrupt change raises significant concerns regarding INEC's commitment to upholding the rule of law. Just like INEC’s somersault, a Kogi State High Court initially issued an order stopping the recall process but later reversed its decision under questionable circumstances.

“CHRICED is also aware, as widely reported, that many constituents of Senator Natasha were deceived into signing the recall petition under the false impression that they were signing an empowerment initiative launched by the Kogi State Government.

“Considering this situation, we strongly call on the relevant government agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this misleading action and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their conduct.

“It is imperative that such deceptive practices are addressed to maintain the integrity of the democratic process and protect the interests of the constituents.

“We strongly urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritize democratic principles and the rule of law by promptly conducting a comprehensive review of the recall petition.

“Should any discrepancies, fraudulent signatures, or procedural irregularities be identified during this assessment, it is imperative that INEC withdraw the recall notice. If the recall process continues, it is vital that INEC carries it out with the utmost neutrality, professionalism, and transparency, while ensuring close monitoring by civil society organizations and the media.”;