Suleman Ahmad
A Federal High Court in Lokoja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving or acting on any petition seeking the recall of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, March 20, 2025, bars INEC, its officials, agents, or assigns from accepting signatures, conducting a referendum, or initiating any recall process against the embattled senator until the determination of a Motion on Notice filed in the case.
The order followed an ex-parte application supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency, sworn to by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from Kogi Central. The applicants, represented by Smart Nwachimere, Esq, of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co, argued that the recall process was politically motivated and should not proceed without due legal consideration.
Justice [Judge’s Name] granted the injunction, with the case adjourned to May 6, 2025, for a report on service and further proceedings.
This development comes amid heightened political tension surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate and her ongoing battle against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she has accused of harassment and political persecution.