The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its representatives from receiving, accepting, or acting upon any recall petition allegedly containing fabricated signatures of individuals from the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Additionally, the ruling bars INEC from initiating a referendum based on such a petition to commence the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Court Ruling on the Recall Petition
The court’s decision was based on an ex parte motion for an interim injunction, backed by an affidavit citing extreme urgency. The legal proceedings were initiated by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other plaintiffs, all of whom are registered voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Represented by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., the plaintiffs’ request was granted on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Presiding over the case (Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025), Justice Isa H. Dashen ruled as follows:
*“Upon reviewing the Motion Ex-parte dated March 19, 2025, and officially filed on March 20, 2025, the Court hereby grants the following reliefs:
- An interim injunction restraining INEC, including its staff, agents, and affiliates, from receiving or acting upon any recall petition containing alleged falsified signatures from the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
- A restriction preventing INEC from proceeding with any referendum based on such a petition until the substantive Motion on Notice is heard and determined.”*
The court set May 6, 2025, as the return date for further proceedings and the report of service.
Political Controversy Surrounding the Recall Effort
Earlier reports indicated that the recall petition might have been orchestrated by a political figure closely associated with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Speculations emerged following allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President.
Legal and Political Implications
The court’s decision raises concerns about the legitimacy of recall petitions and the possible manipulation of the electoral process. Observers suggest that this ruling could set a precedent for future recall petitions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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