A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has lifted its previous injunction that temporarily halted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from processing a recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This decision clears the way for the recall procedure to move forward. Legal Green Light for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Process In a pivotal ruling delivered on Friday, the court affirmed that the recall process initiated by Kogi Central Senatorial District constituents is constitutionally legitimate. The judgment emphasizes that voters have the right to seek the recall of their elected representatives as part of their civic duties. The court further advised that all activities related to the recall be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner. This ruling follows a temporary order issued on Thursday, which had restrained INEC from accepting or acting on the recall petition. The initial injunction also prohibited the commission from conducting any referendum concerning the petition until a related motion was resolved. Controversy Over Alleged Fictitious Signatures The restraining order had been granted in response to an ex-parte application filed by five registered voters from Kogi Central, led by Anebe Jacob Ogirima. Their legal representative, Smart Nwachimere, argued that the recall petition contained questionable signatures, which cast doubt on its legitimacy. Despite lifting the restriction, the court upheld its position against fraudulent activities. It explicitly warned INEC not to proceed with any recall petitions found to contain fake or manipulated signatures. The case is scheduled for further hearings on May 6, 2025. Conclusion With the court’s latest ruling, the recall process is set to advance unless further legal actions arise. This decision reaffirms the importance of electoral accountability and the constitutional rights of voters. Read More on Electoral Procedures READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
After President Donald Trump was re-elected in the United States, former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated him. In a statement released on Wednesday through X, Atiku hailed the result as evidence of democracy’s resilience. He emphasized the significance of genuine elections globally and conveyed his admiration for the US democratic process’s tenacity. “I anxiously watched the United States of America’s presidential election, eager to see how the country will be shaped going forward. I now look back on the outcome with even more satisfaction, as it signals a decisive win for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party,” Atiku said. He said that Trump’s win was a lasting example of the tenacity and energy of the democratic process, highlighting how Trump’s political career is a prime example of bravery in the face of difficulty. “With all its challenges, democracy is still a force for good in the world, and this victory will undoubtedly serve as a lasting testament to the tenacity and vitality of the democratic process,” he said. “The story of President Trump’s political career, characterized by his setbacks and victories, will serve as an uplifting parable of bravery in the face of hardship — a lesson in the art of rising after every setback and, ultimately, emerging victorious.” Atiku claims that Trump’s victory is a motivational tale of tenacity, demonstrating the skill of getting back up after every setback and eventually triumphing. Atiku said he hoped Trump’s The administration will highlight the lesson this holds for Nigeria and push for free and fair elections globally. “The integrity of the process that guarantees a credible outcome is the lesson for us in Nigeria.” Every Nigerian expects the Trump administration to be steadfast in its commitment to free and fair elections in Nigeria and around the globe. Atiku said, “I also want to express my sincere congratulations to the American people, whose unwavering belief in the sanctity of the ballot and the power of democracy has once again demonstrated to the world the true might of the people’s voice.” READ ALSO:
