Court stops INEC from proceeding with Senator Natasha’s recall

The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has issued an interim injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or acting on any petition containing fictitious signatures related to the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The ruling also prevents INEC from conducting a referendum based on such a petition until further notice.

The court order followed an ex parte application filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other plaintiffs—registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District—who argued that the recall petition was fraudulent. The application was moved by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co.

Presiding over the case (Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025), Justice Isa H. Dashen granted the order on Thursday, March 20, 2025, stating:

“An order of interim injunction is granted, restraining INEC, its staff, agents, or assigns from receiving, accepting, or acting in any way whatsoever on any purported petition containing fictitious signatures of members of Kogi Central Senatorial District. INEC is further restrained from conducting a referendum on such a petition pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.”

The court scheduled May 6, 2025, for a report of service and further mention.

Earlier in the week, reports emerged suggesting that the recall process was allegedly sponsored by a close ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused of sexual harassment.

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