by AMECHI.P
In a fiery appearance on Arise News Channel’s *PrimeTime* on April 2, 2025, former Adamawa North, Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo launched a scathing critique of the ongoing efforts to recall Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the 10th Senate, labeling the campaign as both fraudulent and doomed to fail.
Abbo’s remarks, delivered with characteristic bluntness, have reignited debates about political vendettas, institutional overreach, and the integrity of democratic processes in Nigeria.
His defense of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan not only challenges the legitimacy of the recall but also raises broader questions about the misuse of power within the Senate and the safety of elected officials.
A Recall Built on Fraud?
At the heart of Abbo’s argument is his assertion that the recall process against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is rooted in deception.
Reports circulating on platforms like X have echoed this sentiment, with some alleging that the petition submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for her recall contains forged signatures. One post claimed that only 124 out of 249,876 signatures were genuine, branding the effort as a “kangaroo” operation orchestrated by powerful political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
While these claims remain unverified, Abbo’s public dismissal of the recall as fraudulent aligns with growing skepticism about its authenticity.
The recall process, as outlined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, requires a petition backed by a significant portion of registered voters in a senator’s constituency.
Abbo argued that the logistical and legal hurdles make a legitimate recall nearly impossible, especially when driven by what he described as politically motivated actors.
“Nobody can recall Natasha from the Senate,” he declared, emphasizing that the effort lacks both grassroots support and legal grounding. He suggested that the campaign is less about public dissatisfaction with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance and more about settling political scores—a view shared by some observers who see the recall as a retaliatory move following her suspension from the Senate.
Senate Suspension: A Contempt of Court?
Abbo’s critique extended beyond the recall to the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan, which he labeled an act of “contempt of court.”
According to Abbo, the suspension violated a court order that barred the Senate from taking such action. “The Senate went against the court judgment and suspended her,” he said, accusing the leadership of acting only to later seek legal cover by attempting to vacate the order.
This, he argued, reflects a troubling pattern of authoritarianism within the Senate, with Senate President Akpabio at the helm.
The suspension, which followed allegations of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s underperformance by some constituents, has been mired in controversy. Abbo’s claim that it was politically motivated points to deeper tensions within the Senate, where personal rivalries and power struggles often overshadow legislative duties.
By framing the suspension as an act of defiance against the judiciary, Abbo underscores a critical issue: the erosion of checks and balances in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Security Withdrawal: A Threat to Life?
Perhaps the most alarming point raised by Abbo was the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security detail following her suspension.
He warned that this move exposed her to significant danger, stating, “When you withdraw somebody’s security—which is not right—that means you are exposing her to be killed.”
In a country where political violence is not uncommon, Abbo’s concerns carry weight. The removal of security for a sitting senator, particularly one embroiled in a high-stakes political battle, raises questions about the Senate’s duty of care toward its members.
Abbo’s remarks suggest that the recall and suspension are part of a broader strategy to intimidate and silence Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Posts on X have similarly alleged that the recall is a vendetta driven by Akpabio, with one user describing it as a “desperate bid” to sustain a “fraudulent and time-wasting” process. Whether these claims hold up under scrutiny, they reflect a growing perception that Akpoti-Uduaghan is being unfairly targeted.
Political Bias and Authoritarianism
Abbo reserved some of his sharpest criticism for Senate President Akpabio, whom he accused of political bias and authoritarianism. He argued that Akpabio’s leadership has fostered an environment where dissenting voices, like Akpoti-Uduaghan’s, are systematically suppressed. This accusation resonates with earlier posts on X, one of which described Akpabio’s actions as a “failed scam recall” motivated by personal animosity. Abbo’s portrayal of the Senate as a battleground for ego-driven politics highlights a systemic issue: the prioritization of power over public service.
For Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term senator known for her advocacy on gender equality and economic empowerment, the recall effort is a significant setback. Yet, Abbo’s vocal support suggests she is not without allies. His insistence that the recall is a futile mission underscores the resilience of her position, both legally and politically.
A Futile Mission?
Abbo’s central thesis—that “nobody can recall Natasha”—rests on both practical and moral grounds.
Practically, the recall process is fraught with challenges, from verifying signatures to mobilizing enough voters to meet constitutional requirements.
Morally, Abbo argues that the effort is an affront to democratic principles, driven by fraud and vengeance rather than genuine public discontent. The allegations of forged signatures, if proven, would further undermine the recall’s legitimacy, potentially leading to legal repercussions for those involved.
As the controversy unfolds, the recall effort against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan serves as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Will INEC uphold the integrity of the process by thoroughly investigating the petition? Will the Senate address accusations of overreach and bias in its leadership? And, most critically, will Akpoti-Uduaghan emerge unscathed from what Abbo calls a “fraudulent, futile mission”?
For now, Abbo’s outspoken defense has amplified the debate, casting a spotlight on the intersection of power, politics, and justice in Nigeria’s Senate.
As he put it, the attempt to recall Natasha is not just an attack on one senator but a challenge to the very principles of democratic representation. Whether the recall succeeds or fails, its ripple effects will likely shape the political landscape for years to come.
