The suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has secured a court injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting a recall petition against her.
The move to recall the senator gained momentum on Thursday, as more groups within her constituency threw their support behind the initiative.
However, the Federal High Court in Lokoja issued an interim injunction restraining INEC from receiving or acting on any petition seeking her recall, pending the determination of the motion before it.
Background of the Recall Process
The push for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall follows her suspension from the Senate, which stemmed from a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements. The controversy, which played out publicly, led to backlash from some of her constituents, prompting calls for her removal.
On Wednesday, some constituents began the formal process of her recall.
However, INEC denied any knowledge of such proceedings. Despite this, the recall efforts intensified, with more individuals and groups from her senatorial district backing the move.
Court’s Ruling on the Recall Process
In response to the recall attempts, a group of registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District approached the Federal High Court in Lokoja, seeking legal intervention. The court granted an interim injunction on Thursday, restraining INEC from accepting or acting upon any recall petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The court’s decision was based on an ex-parte application filed by Smart Nwachimere of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co.
The application was supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency sworn to by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four others, all of whom are registered voters from Kogi Central.
The court ruled that accepting a recall petition with what it described as “fictitious signatures and names” would be unlawful and could undermine the integrity of the recall process.
The court order stated:
“That 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.”
Additionally, the court directed that the enrolled order, along with the motion on notice, be served on INEC until the substantive suit is determined.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for a report on service and further mention.
Political Reactions and Implications
The recall process has continued to generate controversy, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters dismissing it as a politically motivated move designed to silence her.
Many of them believe the recall effort is being orchestrated by political opponents who are uncomfortable with her rising profile.
On the other hand, those pushing for her removal insist they are exercising their constitutional rights.
Some of her opponents claim her actions have brought “international embarrassment” to the senatorial district, referencing the public altercation that led to her suspension.
The court ruling has temporarily put the recall process on hold. However, legal experts suggest that INEC could challenge the decision, especially if petitioners present fresh evidence of widespread support for the recall.
What Happens Next?
With the court placing a temporary block on the recall process, the focus now shifts to the legal battle ahead.
The outcome of the court proceedings in May will determine whether the recall process will move forward or if the injunction will become permanent.
If the court upholds the injunction, it would effectively halt any attempts to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, if the ruling is overturned, INEC could proceed with verifying signatures and potentially conducting a referendum to determine if she should remain in office.
For now, both Akpoti-Uduaghan and her opponents will be preparing their next moves as the political drama surrounding the senator continues to unfold.
