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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a recall petition from her constituents in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team claims that the signatures are forged and has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police to investigate.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, over alleged forgery of signatures in the recall petition against her.
The petition was submitted to the IG and the police commissioner on Friday afternoon.
The recall petition, which was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by some of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, claimed to have gathered over 250,000 signatures. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Victor Giwa, alleged that the signatures were forged and is prosecuting the case in court.
“We are aware that those signatures were forged, and it is the act of APC members in Kogi State, who are desperate to remove her,” Giwa said.
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Giwa explained that the legal team decided to take the forgery petition to the police because it involved a criminal offense. “INEC does not have the materials to examine a case of forgery. What they are expected to do is compare whether the signatures correspond with the ones signed by the owners. But we are alleging that it is a case of forgery, and only the police can handle cases of forgery.”
The recall process is ongoing, with INEC expected to verify the signatures at each polling unit in the constituency. However, Giwa insisted that the forgery allegation must be addressed first. “The case is in court, and INEC is aware. Secondly, we are now dealing with allegations of fraud. Some people submitted certain signatures, and others claim they were forged, which is a criminal matter.”
The Ebira People’s Association has condemned the ongoing recall process, describing it as a politically motivated gang-up designed to undermine democracy.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has illegally provided support to impostors, dissidents, and petitioners who claim to have gathered 250,000 forged and stolen signatures,” said Baba Abdulrazaq, the association’s secretary.
INEC Receives Petition Seeking Sen Natasha’s Recall
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The petition was received by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony on Monday.
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