Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Court Restrains INEC from Processing Alleged Fictitious Recall Petition Against Senator Natasha
The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has issued an interim injunction barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving, accepting, or acting on any recall petition allegedly containing fictitious signatures from members of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The court also prohibited INEC from conducting any referendum based on such a petition to initiate the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The ruling followed an ex parte application for an interim injunction, supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency and other legal filings sworn to by Anebe Jacob Ogirima on behalf of himself and four other registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District. The application was presented by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., and was granted on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Presiding over the case (Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025), Justice Isa H. Dashen ruled:
“An order of interim injunction is hereby granted, restraining the Defendant (INEC), its staff, agents, privies, or assigns from receiving, accepting, or acting upon any petition submitted by any person or persons containing fictitious signatures and names of purported members of Kogi Central Senatorial District.”
The court also ordered that INEC must refrain from conducting any referendum on such a petition until the determination of the Motion on Notice. The return date for further mention and report of service is set for May 6, 2025.
Earlier in the week, concerns were raised over the planned recall process, which was allegedly being orchestrated by a close associate of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
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