The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has granted an interim injunction that restrains the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from processing any recall petition for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District based on alleged fictitious signatures.
The court order follows an urgent ex parte application filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other constituents, all registered voters in Kogi Central. The plaintiffs sought the court's intervention to prevent INEC from accepting or acting on any petition containing falsified signatures as part of the proposed recall process for the senator.
Justice Isa H. Dashen, presiding over the case, ruled that the interim injunction be granted, preventing INEC and its agents from acting on any petition that includes fraudulent signatures of alleged members of the Kogi Central district. The order also prohibits the commission from conducting a referendum related to the petition until the matter is fully heard.
The injunction was granted on Thursday, March 20, 2025, following the application by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., from West-Idahosa, SAN & Co. The ruling marks a temporary victory for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose recall process has become contentious amid political dynamics in the region.
Political Background and Legal Action
The legal intervention comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of the petition, which allegedly has been sponsored by a close ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan has been involved in a highly publicized clash with Akpabio, who is facing accusations of sexual harassment. The timing and sponsors of the recall petition have raised suspicions that the process might be politically motivated.
In his ruling, Justice Dashen confirmed that the plaintiffs had demonstrated extreme urgency, given the potential impact on the democratic process in Kogi Central. The injunction is set to remain in effect pending the outcome of a full hearing, which is scheduled for May 6, 2025, when the court will consider a report on the service of the order and any further proceedings.
The Path Forward
With the interim injunction in place, INEC is prohibited from proceeding with any actions related to the recall, including the receipt or acceptance of any petition that includes fictitious signatures. This provides a temporary respite for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has faced increasing pressure from political opponents in the region.
The development highlights the ongoing tension in Kogi politics and the legal battles that often accompany high-stakes electoral matters. As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the May 6 court date, which could determine the future of the recall process and the political fate of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
For now, the legal victory ensures that the senator's position remains secure as the court examines the validity of the recall petition.
