By Capital Watch Media
The Federal High Court in Lokoja has issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from receiving any petitions aimed at initiating a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, restricts INEC and its representatives from accepting or acting on petitions that contain alleged fictitious signatures from members of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The push for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall had gained momentum, with several groups supporting the initiative.
However, a faction of Ebira indigenes dismissed claims that the recall process was influenced by political opponents.
According to court documents released on Friday, the injunction was granted following an ex-parte application supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency.
The legal action was initiated by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four others, all registered voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District, who argued against the recall petition.
The application was moved by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., and the case has been adjourned to 6th May 2025 for further proceedings and a report on the service of court orders.
Reacting to the development, a political pressure group, Action Collective, commended the judiciary for its decision.
“The court order exposes the impunity of those behind the failed attempt to recall Senator Natasha,” said Dr Onimisi Ibrahim, the group’s coordinator.
Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan have maintained that the recall attempt was politically motivated and not a true representation of the people’s will.
INEC has yet to make an official statement regarding the ruling and its implications on the recall process.
Legal experts suggest that the ruling may delay any further recall proceedings until the substantive case is determined in court.
The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing political tussle in Kogi Central, with both supporters and opponents of Akpoti-Uduaghan awaiting the next legal steps.
