A Federal High Court in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, has overturned an earlier ruling that had prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with the recall process initiated by constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a landmark judgement delivered on Friday, the court affirmed that the recall process is constitutionally valid and in line with the civic rights of the constituents. The court encouraged the constituents to continue exercising their rights in an orderly and peaceful manner.
This development follows a decision by the court on Thursday to grant an interim injunction, restraining INEC, its staff, agents, and affiliates from receiving, accepting, or acting on any petition containing signatures from members of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The court also prohibited INEC from conducting a referendum based on such petitions to initiate the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, pending the resolution of the Motion on Notice.
The court issued the injunction after an ex parte application for an interim order was filed, supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency and other court documents sworn by Anebe Jacob Ogirima, along with four other registered voters and constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Counsel for the applicants, Smart Nwachimere, argued that the recall petitions contained fictitious signatures from supposed constituents.
The injunction now prevents INEC, its staff, and agents from accepting or acting on recall petitions with fraudulent signatures and from holding any referendum based on such petitions.
The case has been adjourned until May 6, 2025, for further proceedings.
