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During a recent appearance on Channels TV, a legal expert and lawyer to Senator Natasha Akpotii-Uduaghan who is involved in a high-profile political dispute raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the recall petition prepared against her.
He questioned its procedural accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
Victor Giwa, a lawyer representing Senator Natasha, provided a detailed analysis of the recall attempt, challenging the claims made by its advocates and exposing what he perceives as critical legal and procedural errors.
In response to a statement from one of the petition’s supporters, Giwa remarked, “The young woman who spoke claimed to be from ‘Concerned Kogi Youth and Women,’ but I don’t know what that organization is,” immediately casting doubt on the legitimacy of the group behind the recall effort.
Reaffirming his professional stance, he stated, “As one of Natasha’s legal representatives, I have examined the recall process thoroughly. We understand the constitutional framework outlined in Section 69 and the necessary legal guidelines.”
Giwa continued to challenge the recall effort, questioning the credibility of those leading the petition. “She says she represents ‘Kogi Youth and Women,’ but this group has no formal institutional recognition,” he argued.
Furthermore, he pointed out procedural inconsistencies regarding the petition’s constituency representation. “A recall process can only be initiated by registered voters from Kogi Central. She has not provided any proof that she belongs to one of the five local government areas in that senatorial district,” he noted.
His most critical concern was the verification of voter signatures. “She has not specified who signed the petition. Were they actual registered voters? INEC rules require that signatures be collected and verified polling unit by polling unit,” Giwa emphasized.
His comments highlight the intricate legal framework governing recall petitions in Nigeria, reinforcing the necessity of strict procedural compliance to ensure fairness and transparency in the democratic process.
