Akpabio’s Ex-Aide, Now INEC Commissioner, Allegedly Orchestrating Natasha’s Recall
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been accused of using his former Chief of Staff, now a Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Udo Umoren, to push for the recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended from the Senate on March 6 over alleged misconduct, following a dispute with Akpabio.
Sources revealed to SaharaReporters that Umoren was allegedly spotted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja from morning till evening on Monday, reportedly working to accelerate the recall process.
A source privy to the matter stated, “Akpabio’s former Chief of Staff, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, who is now the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Delta State, is doing Akpabio’s dirty job by ensuring the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Umoren was at INEC from 8am to 8pm last night, facilitating the recall process, following Akpabio’s direct instructions.”
Additionally, it was claimed that “Akpabio has instructed Umoren to report to INEC every day until the recall process is completed.”
OSUN DEFENDER previously reported that a viral video showed individuals allegedly forging signatures in the ongoing recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, raising fresh concerns over the credibility of the petition that reportedly gathered 250,000 signatures from registered voters in Kogi Central.
A resident, appearing in a video seen by OSUN DEFENDER, confirmed participation in submitting the petition and insisted the recall was initiated by constituents.
Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that loyalists of former Governor Yahaya Bello manipulated voters into signing recall documents under the pretense of an empowerment scheme.
A resident disclosed in a video, “We are not here for the recall process of Natasha. We are here for an empowerment. And we were given instructions to come with our voter cards.”
Another resident, Mrs. Joseph, criticized the recall process, stating, “I call the recall process a mess. Nobody was aware of it at all. These people deceived them with the promise of empowerment. It was only when we arrived that many of us realised this was not normal.”
She added, “People started leaving. I see it as a fraud, and they are doing something the people do not support. I myself do not support it, and the majority of people in this local government are against it.”
Despite a Federal High Court injunction barring INEC from acting on the recall petition, the commission still accepted it on March 21.
Justice Isa H. Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja ruled that INEC must refrain from processing any recall petition involving falsified signatures. The case is set for hearing on May 6.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and recall efforts have drawn widespread criticism, with many linking them to her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, a claim that has further fuelled political tensions.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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