A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has set aside an earlier ruling that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from processing the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, initiated by constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In its latest judgment, the court upheld the constitutional validity of the recall process, affirming that it aligns with the civic rights of the constituents. It also encouraged the petitioners to exercise their rights in a lawful and peaceful manner.
This decision follows a previous interim injunction issued by the court, which had temporarily restrained INEC and its representatives from accepting or acting on any recall petitions submitted by members of Kogi Central.
The injunction also prohibited the electoral body from conducting a referendum related to the recall effort until a Motion on Notice was determined.
The court granted the initial order based on an ex-parte application filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from the senatorial district.
Their counsel, Smart Nwachimere, argued that the recall petition contained falsified signatures.
The injunction remains in place, preventing INEC from accepting petitions with fraudulent signatures or conducting a referendum based on such documents.
The case is scheduled for further mention on May 6, 2025.