Court Stops INEC from Receiving Recall Petition Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
LOKOJA– A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or acting on any petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, effectively halts any potential recall process against the senator pending the determination of a Motion on Notice. The injunction explicitly restrains INEC, its staff, agents, and assigns from receiving, accepting, or conducting any referendum based on recall petitions bearing signatures from Kogi Central constituents.
The court’s decision followed an ex-parte application for an interim injunction, supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency and other court documents. The application was filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Smart Nwachimere, Esq., representing the applicants from West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., moved the application before the court.
The court has adjourned the case to May 6, 2025, for a report on service and further mention. This interim injunction will remain in effect until the court makes a final decision on the substantive Motion on Notice. The ruling effectively puts a hold on any immediate attempts to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, creating a legal pause in the ongoing political situation within the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
