Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has secured a court injunction on Friday, preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any recall petition filed by her constituents.
The push to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan gained momentum on Thursday, with several groups in her constituency supporting the move. This follows her suspension from the Senate after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.
While constituents initiated the recall process on Wednesday, INEC initially denied knowledge of it. However, the Federal High Court in Lokoja granted an interim injunction on Thursday, restraining INEC from receiving or acting on the petition until the motion is fully determined.
The court issued the injunction following an ex-parte application, supported by an affidavit of urgency filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from the Kogi Central Senatorial District. The legal team was led by Smart Nwachimere of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co.
The case was adjourned to May 6, 2025, for a report of service and further proceedings.
The court order specifically prohibits INEC and its agents from accepting or acting on any petitions related to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall, particularly those containing fictitious signatures. The injunction will remain in effect pending the outcome of the substantive suit.
