Court Halts Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Recall Process in Kogi Central

 

Justice Isa H. Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has issued an interim injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving or acting on any petition containing fictitious signatures aimed at recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The ruling, delivered in suit number FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025, also prohibits INEC from conducting a referendum based on such a petition. The court’s decision followed an ex parte application filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other plaintiffs—constituents and registered voters of Kogi Central Senatorial District—who argued that fraudulent names and signatures were being used in the recall process.

The application was moved by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., and was granted on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Justice Dashen ruled:

"An order of interim injunction restraining INEC, its staff, agents, privies, or assigns from receiving, accepting, or acting in any way whatsoever on any purported petition submitted by any person or persons containing fictitious signatures and names of purported members of Kogi Central Senatorial District."

The court further ordered that INEC must halt any referendum aimed at initiating a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until the Motion on Notice is determined. The next hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025.

This court order comes just two days after some constituents—allegedly backed by Natasha's political opponents—began signing a recall petition against her. Viral videos surfaced online showing residents of Kogi Central Senatorial District queuing up to append their signatures.

Many speculate that the move to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is politically motivated, especially as it follows her recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.