Natasha: Court blocks recall attempt, stops INEC

Natasha: Court blocks recall attempt, stops INEC

A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has issued an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or processing any petition aimed at recalling suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended over allegations of misconduct following her claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her. In recent days, calls for her recall have gained momentum, with more groups in her constituency backing the process.

However, some constituents sought legal intervention, filing an ex-parte application for an interim injunction. The application, supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency, was submitted by Anebe Jacob Ogirima on behalf of himself and four other registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District.

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The case was presented by Smart Nwachimere, Esq of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co. Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa granted the plaintiffs’ request, stating:
“An interim injunction is granted restraining the defendant, staff, agents, privies or assigns from receiving, accepting or acting in any way whatsoever on any purported petitions submitted to the defendant by any person or persons whatsoever, containing fictitious signatures and names of purported members of the said district and conducting any referendum to initiate a recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as senator pending the determination of the motion.”

The judge further ordered that the court’s enrolled order, along with the motion on notice, be served on the respondent. The case was adjourned until May 6, 2025, for a report on service and further proceedings.