BREAKING: Campaign for Democracy backs recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti

The Campaign for Democracy (CD), a civil society organization, has expressed support for the ongoing recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central), stating that it will deepen Nigeria’s democratic system.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its President, Ifeanyi Odili, the pro-democracy group emphasized that such actions by concerned constituents would serve as a mechanism to hold lawmakers accountable and ensure effective representation.

The group also voiced concerns over what it described as an “avoidable” crisis between the embattled senator and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a situation that has put Nigeria’s reputation under scrutiny on the global stage.

“The incident has placed Nigeria’s image on trial before the international community,” the statement read.

The organization criticized Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly engaging in a “campaign of calumny” against the Senate instead of addressing the core issues surrounding her suspension within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“It is unfortunate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s activities within and outside the country since the controversy began have cast a negative shadow on Nigeria’s image. She must apologize for her actions, which amount to gross misconduct,” the statement added.

The CD urged Nigerian leaders to separate opposition politics from critical national issues, emphasizing the need for responsibility in public discourse.

“More worrisome is the fact that she has distorted the circumstances leading to her suspension and has continued to link her case to allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President,” the statement continued.

“Taking such misrepresentation to the world stage and unlawfully representing Nigeria at the Inter-Parliamentary Union only worsens the situation. She needs to apologize, and this matter should not be politicized.”

The group also questioned why Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had seemingly lost confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, given that she had already taken legal action regarding her grievances.

“Since she has approached the courts, she should allow due process to take its course rather than resorting to media trials and seeking foreign sympathy. This approach has only diminished any support she could have gained from Nigerians and the international community,” the statement noted.

The CD further argued that her confrontational stance served no constructive purpose and only undermined Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“As a public official, she has a duty to uphold the dignity of her office and promote national cohesion rather than dragging the country’s name into unnecessary international controversies,” it said.

The civil society organization commended the electorate of Kogi Central for exercising their constitutional right to initiate a recall process, describing it as a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

“The decision of the electorate to recall a senator they no longer trust is a positive development for democratic accountability,” the statement concluded.