A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has overturned its previous order that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting a recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, the court upheld the constitutional validity of the recall process, affirming that it aligns with the democratic rights of constituents. It further encouraged residents of Kogi Central to continue exercising their civic rights in a lawful and peaceful manner.
Background: From Injunction to Reversal
The latest ruling marks a significant shift from the court’s earlier decision on Thursday, when it granted an interim injunction temporarily restraining INEC, its staff, and agents from accepting or acting upon any petition containing signatures from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents. The injunction also halted any planned referendum by INEC related to the recall process until a final decision was made on the Motion on Notice.
The initial restraining order was granted after an Ex-parte application, filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters in Kogi Central. Their legal team, led by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa and Co., argued that INEC should be barred from processing the recall petition until the court fully addressed the legal concerns surrounding the matter.
Court Reaffirms Legitimacy of Recall Process
With the injunction now lifted, the court has reaffirmed that the recall process remains a constitutionally backed right of constituents. The decision paves the way for INEC to proceed with the petition and other necessary actions related to the recall.
The recall campaign against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has gained momentum in recent weeks, with some constituents citing dissatisfaction with her performance as the reason for initiating the process. Now that legal obstacles have been removed, INEC is expected to move forward with the petition review and any subsequent steps required under the law.
As the process unfolds, stakeholders and political observers are closely watching how events will shape the political landscape in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
