Court Blocks INEC from Acting on Fictitious Petition Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall

By DAYO ADESULU

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 initiating the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Court Blocks INEC from Acting on Alleged Fake Petition

The ruling, delivered on Thursday, March 20, 2025, came in response to an ex parte application filed by concerned constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The application, supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency, was presented by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co.

The plaintiffs, including Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters, sought the court’s intervention to prevent INEC from conducting a referendum based on what they described as a fraudulent recall petition.

Court Ruling on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall

In his ruling on Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025, Justice Isa H. Dashen granted the interim injunction and stated:

“An order of interim injunction is granted restraining the Defendant (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 judge also ruled that INEC must not conduct any referendum based on such a petition until the court determines the Motion on Notice.

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A return date of May 6, 2025, was set for the report of service and further mention of the case.

Allegations of Political Motives Behind the Recall Process

The attempt to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been met with widespread criticism. According to sources, the recall initiative is allegedly being sponsored by a close ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation that has sparked political tension within the National Assembly. Some political analysts suggest that the recall process could be an act of political retaliation against her.

Political Reactions and Public Outrage

Political observers and members of civil society organizations have condemned the move to recall the senator, describing it as a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices.

Many Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, accusing powerful political figures of manipulating the electoral process to serve their interests.

A political analyst, Dr. Michael Adebanjo, stated:

“This recall attempt is politically motivated. It is no coincidence that after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused a top political figure of misconduct, a recall process suddenly emerged. The court’s ruling is a victory for democracy.”

Legal Implications of the Court Order

Legal experts argue that the ruling sends a strong message against electoral fraud and manipulated recall processes.

Barrister Yetunde Aluko, a constitutional lawyer, said:

“The court’s decision upholds the integrity of the electoral process. A recall must be driven by genuine constituents’ grievances, not by fabricated signatures orchestrated for political gain.”

With the interim injunction in place, INEC is legally bound not to act on any recall petition with fictitious names until the court gives a final verdict.

The court interprets and applies the law, ensuring justice and legal order. It resolves disputes, protects rights, upholds the constitution, and enforces laws. Courts also review government actions, settle civil and criminal cases, and impose penalties. Additionally, they provide legal remedies, safeguard human rights, and serve as a check on executive and legislative powers.

What Happens Next?

The next hearing scheduled for May 6, 2025, will determine whether the interim injunction will be upheld, modified, or lifted. Until then, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains in office without any immediate threat of recall.

This development highlights the growing concerns about the misuse of the recall process in Nigeria’s political landscape.

#SenatorNatashaRecall, #KogiPolitics, #NigeriaDemocracy, #INEC, #PoliticalManipulation, #JusticeForNatasha,

Dayo Adesulu, online editor, SEO expert.