A Federal High Court in Lokoja has issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or acting on any petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The order, granted on Thursday, March 20, 2025, also bars INEC from conducting a referendum based on any petition containing alleged fictitious signatures from members of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The ruling followed an ex parte motion filed by five registered voters, led by Anebe Jacob Ogirima, who argued that the recall process was fraudulent. Their legal counsel, Smart Nwachimere of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., presented the case before Justice Isa H. Dashen, who ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.
According to court documents (Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025), Justice Dashen ordered that INEC, its agents, and assigns must refrain from processing any such petition until the court determines the Motion on Notice. The matter is set for further hearing on May 6, 2025.
The controversial recall attempt has been linked to political maneuvering, with reports suggesting that a close ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio is behind the push. This follows allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Akpabio by Akpoti-Uduaghan, sparking tensions within the Senate.
With this court order, the recall effort faces a major setback, leaving political observers watching closely for the next development in this high-stakes battle.
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