Natasha Akpoti Sends Strong Message to Akpabio and Yahaya Bello as INEC Rejects Recall Petition
Senator Natasha Akpoti has openly praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for standing firm and rejecting a petition aimed at recalling her from the National Assembly. The electoral commission dismissed the petition due to its failure to meet the constitutional conditions stated in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The petition, believed to have originated from political opponents, was seen by Akpoti and her supporters as part of a wider plan to silence her voice in the Senate. However, INEC made it clear that the attempt did not meet the legal threshold for a valid recall process. According to a public statement shared through INEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the commission confirmed that the requirements were not satisfied and therefore the process could not proceed.
In reaction, Senator Natasha Akpoti expressed deep appreciation to INEC for what she described as a courageous and fair decision. She commended the commission for refusing to bow to what she referred to as “undemocratic forces,” praising their commitment to justice and the rule of law. Akpoti highlighted that this move by INEC helps restore public confidence in democratic institutions and sends a strong message that political manipulation will not always succeed.
Taking her statement further, the Senator didn’t shy away from calling out key political figures whom she believes were behind the recall attempt. She made direct remarks about former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is currently under scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She accused them of being part of a political class that has long thrived on violence, electoral malpractice, and corruption.
In her words, Natasha stated, “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall from the Senate, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC, former governor Yahaya Bello.” She described the failed recall petition as another example of the desperate attempts by old power brokers to silence emerging voices committed to transparency and justice.
Natasha didn’t stop there. She made a bold political declaration, saying that the days of politicians like Akpabio and Bello are numbered. According to her, Nigeria is entering a new era where the people are no longer willing to support leaders known for negative political behavior. She expressed hope that the current generation of Nigerians will continue to reject any form of governance rooted in intimidation, electoral fraud, or abuse of power.
Her statement reads: “Please bear it in mind that your days are numbered in politics because the new era has come when people will no longer reckon or identify with evil politicians whose trademark is not more than violence, rigging, and corruption.”
The entire development highlights a major shift in Nigeria’s political space. As more public figures like Akpoti continue to speak out against intimidation and undemocratic practices, the call for political accountability is growing stronger. INEC’s decision not only protected one senator’s seat, but also set a standard for resisting external political pressure and staying true to the Constitution.
Natasha Akpoti’s firm stance reflects the increasing demand for political renewal in Nigeria, where transparency, justice, and service to the people must take priority over personal agendas and power struggles. Her victory over the recall petition could inspire other politicians and citizens alike to defend their rights and challenge oppression in all its forms.
