Lokoja, Kogi State – The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has issued an interim injunction barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or acting on any recall petition containing fictitious signatures against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Isa H. Dashen in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025, also prevents INEC from conducting any referendum based on such a petition until further notice. The decision follows an ex parte application filed by five registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District, led by Anebe Jacob Ogirima.
Their legal representative, Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., argued that the recall attempt was fraught with irregularities and urged the court to intervene. Granting the request, Justice Dashen ruled:
“An order of interim injunction is hereby granted, restraining INEC, its staff, agents, or assigns from receiving, accepting, or acting upon any petition containing fictitious signatures and names of purported members of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The commission is further restrained from conducting any referendum on such a petition pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.”
The court scheduled May 6, 2025, for a report of service and further proceedings.
Political Undercurrents Behind the Recall Attempt
The legal battle comes amid growing controversy surrounding the recall effort, which is allegedly backed by a close ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, sparking speculation about the motivations behind the recall process.
With the court’s intervention, all eyes are now on the upcoming hearing as the case unfolds.
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