Court halts INEC from processing recall petitions against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal High Court in Lokoja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting petitions or taking any steps towards initiating a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The ruling comes amid growing momentum for her recall, with more groups in Kogi Central reportedly supporting the process.

However, a faction of Ebira indigenes has dismissed claims that the recall effort is being orchestrated and financially influenced by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political adversaries.

Court Bars INEC from Acting on Alleged Fictitious Signatures

In its ruling on Thursday, the court also prohibited INEC officials, their agents, or any representatives from accepting or processing petitions that may contain fraudulent or fictitious signatures allegedly submitted by members of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Additionally, the electoral body has been restricted from conducting any referendum related to the recall until the motion on notice is determined.

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According to court documents obtained by journalists on Friday morning, the order was granted following an ex-parte application for an interim injunction, which was supported by an affidavit citing extreme urgency.

The legal action was initiated by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The application was argued by legal counsel Smart Nwachimere, Esq., from West-Idahosa, SAN & Co. The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for further proceedings, including a report on service of the order.

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Following the court’s decision, Action Collective, a pressure group, praised the judiciary for upholding due process.

Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, the group’s coordinator, lauded the ruling, describing it as a major step in exposing what he called the “impunity” of certain individuals allegedly behind the failed recall attempt.

“This ruling is a testament to the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that political opponents do not exploit the legal system for personal vendettas. The recall process, if necessary, must be conducted transparently and fairly, without manipulation,” Ibrahim stated.

With the case now pending further legal review, all eyes remain on the unfolding political developments in Kogi Central, as both supporters and critics of the recall effort await the next steps.