Court Stops INEC from Processing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Petition

INEC

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has secured a legal victory as the Federal High Court in Lokoja issued an injunction stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting a petition to recall her. This decision comes amid growing efforts to remove her from office following her suspension from the Senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements. Since then, agitation for her recall has intensified, with various groups in her constituency backing the move.

On Wednesday, some constituents initiated the recall process, but INEC denied having any knowledge of such efforts. Despite this, pressure to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan mounted, prompting her to take legal action to block the recall attempt.

In response to an urgent application filed by some constituents supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan, the court granted an interim injunction on Thursday. The order restrains INEC from accepting or acting on any recall petition against her until a final decision is reached. The case was filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from Kogi Central, who alleged that the recall process was being manipulated with fraudulent signatures.

Legal representatives from West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., led by Smart Nwachimere, moved the application. The court’s ruling explicitly prevents INEC and its officials from processing any recall petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan pending further legal proceedings.

The court order stated, “An interim injunction is granted restraining the defendant, staff, agents, privies, or assigns from receiving, accepting, or acting in any way whatsoever on any purported petitions submitted to the defendant by any person or persons whatsoever, containing fictitious signatures and names of purported members of the said district and conducting any referendum to initiate a recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as senator pending the determination of the motion.”

The ruling also mandated that INEC be served with the motion, with the next court hearing scheduled for May 6, 2025, for a report of service and further mention.

This legal move is a major setback for those advocating for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall. While her critics insist she has lost the support of her constituents, her supporters argue that the recall effort is politically motivated and riddled with irregularities. With the court’s intervention, INEC is now legally barred from proceeding with the recall process until a final verdict is reached.

Her troubles began with her suspension, which many believe was politically motivated. Her clash with Senate President Akpabio over seating arrangements is thought to have sparked a larger political push against her, including the recall attempt. Despite the challenges, she remains defiant, stating that she was elected to serve and will not be forced out by political maneuvers.