Court Halts INEC From Receiving Petition to Recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has issued an interim injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving any petition aimed at initiating a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate.
The court further prohibited INEC staff, agents, and any associated parties from accepting or acting on any petition that includes fictitious signatures from purported constituents of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, as well as from conducting any referendum based on such petitions, pending the outcome of the Motion on Notice.
According to documents provided on Friday, the court granted the injunction after considering an Ex-parte application supported by an Affidavit of Extreme Urgency. The affidavit was filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters and constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The application was moved by Smart Nwachimere, Esq, from West-Idahosa, SAN & Co.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for a report on service and further proceedings.
In response to the ruling, a pressure group, Action Collective, expressed its appreciation for the judiciary’s decision. Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, the group’s coordinator, praised the court for its action, stating that the injunction would further expose the impunity of those behind the failed recall plot against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
