Fresh controversy has erupted as Etekamba Udo Umoren, a former Chief of Staff to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and now the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Delta State, has been accused of actively working to facilitate the recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Reports indicate that Umoren was allegedly spotted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja from morning till late at night, strategizing on how to expedite the recall process. This has further fueled suspicions that Senate President Akpabio is using his former aide to eliminate political opposition.
The Alleged Recall Plot
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, over alleged gross misconduct. However, her supporters believe that the suspension was politically motivated, particularly after she publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Sources revealed that Akpabio has allegedly instructed Umoren to report daily to INEC until the recall process is completed. This, many say, is a desperate attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan and remove her from office permanently.
A top source familiar with the matter disclosed:
“Akpabio’s former Chief of Staff, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, is doing his boss’s dirty job by ensuring the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He was at INEC from 8 AM to 8 PM on Monday, working on the process, following direct instructions from Akpabio.”
Despite multiple attempts, Umoren has refused to respond to calls and messages seeking his reaction to the allegations.
INEC Accepts Petition Despite Court Injunction
On Monday, INEC officially received a petition for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall, allegedly signed by 250,000 registered voters from Kogi Central. The petition was submitted despite a Federal High Court order restraining INEC from accepting it.
The petition was received by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, raising questions about why the electoral body chose to violate a valid court order.
A Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja on March 21, 2025, had placed an interim injunction blocking INEC from accepting the petition, citing allegations that many of the signatures were falsified.
The court order, issued by Justice Isa H. Dashen, stated:
“INEC is restrained from receiving, accepting, or acting on any petition containing fictitious signatures and names of purported members of Kogi Central Senatorial District. INEC is also barred from conducting any referendum based on such a petition.”
The case has been scheduled for a hearing on May 6, 2025.
Fraud Allegations Surrounding the Recall Process
Meanwhile, several residents of Kogi Central have raised serious allegations of fraud and deception in the recall process.
Some residents claim they were tricked into signing recall documents under the false pretense of participating in an empowerment program.
One resident, who participated in the petition submission, disclosed in a video:
“We were told to come with our voter cards for an empowerment program. It was only when we arrived that we realized this was about recalling Senator Natasha.”
Another resident, Mrs. Joseph, described the recall process as fraudulent and deceptive.
“I call this recall process a total mess. Nobody was aware of it. They deceived people with the promise of empowerment. When many of us realized what was going on, we walked away. I see this as fraud, and most people in this community do not support it.”
The controversy has further deepened political tensions in Kogi Central, with many viewing it as a calculated attack on a popular opposition figure.
Political Reactions and Public Outrage
The recall attempt has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, legal experts, and political analysts.
A senior lawyer commented:
“This is a clear abuse of power. If INEC is receiving a petition that has been ruled fraudulent by a court, then it raises serious concerns about the independence of our electoral institutions.”
Similarly, opposition leaders have described the recall move as a dangerous precedent.
One political analyst stated:
“This is nothing but political persecution. Senator Natasha is being targeted because she dared to speak against Akpabio. The Senate President should allow democratic processes to play out, instead of using INEC as a weapon.”
Conclusion
The battle over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall is far from over, with the case now set for a legal showdown in court on May 6, 2025.
With growing evidence of alleged fraud, political interference, and court violations, many are questioning whether this recall is truly the will of the people—or a carefully orchestrated plot to silence dissent.
As the controversy intensifies, the credibility of INEC, the judiciary, and Nigeria’s democratic process will be put to the test.
The question remains: Will the law prevail, or will political power dictate the outcome? Nigerians are watching.
