JUST IN: Court bars INEC from receiving petition for Natasha’s recall

The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its staff, or agents from receiving, accepting, or acting on any petition containing fraudulent signatures from purported members of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The court’s order also stops INEC from conducting any referendum based on such a petition to initiate the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This ruling followed an ex parte application for an interim injunction, supported by an affidavit of urgency filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from Kogi Central. The application, moved by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., was granted on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Justice Isa H. Dashen, presiding over Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025, issued the order, stating that INEC, its staff, agents, or any related parties are restrained from processing any petition with fictitious signatures. The injunction also bars INEC from proceeding with a referendum aimed at recalling Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, pending further proceedings.

The return date for the case is set for May 6, 2025, for a report of service and further mention.

Concerns had earlier been raised about the recall process, which is believed to be backed by a close associate of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Akpabio of alleged sexual harassment, fueling tensions surrounding the recall effort.