Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has scored a significant legal victory, securing a court order that bars the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or acting on any recall petition against her. This comes after a surge in support for her recall within her constituency, which intensified last week.
The recall effort gained momentum on Thursday, with multiple groups in her district backing the move. However, the battle intensified after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate, stemming from a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.
On Wednesday, constituents initiated the recall process, but INEC claimed no knowledge of the petition. In response, the Federal High Court in Lokoja granted an interim injunction on Thursday, preventing the electoral commission from accepting or acting on any petition seeking her recall until the matter is fully addressed.
The court’s decision followed an urgent application filed by registered voters from Kogi Central, represented by Smart Nwachimere of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co. The motion was supported by an affidavit highlighting the urgency of the matter.
In the ruling, the court ordered that INEC and its agents are prohibited from receiving, accepting, or acting on any petitions related to the recall process, particularly those with false signatures and names. The case is now adjourned to May 6, 2025, for a report on service and further proceedings.
This court victory offers a temporary reprieve for Akpoti-Uduaghan, as the legal battle over her potential recall continues to unfold.
