A Federal High Court in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, has overturned an earlier ruling that had blocked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from processing the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, the court reaffirmed that the recall process is constitutionally recognized and upholds the civic rights of the constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The ruling emphasized that citizens have the right to exercise their democratic privileges in a peaceful and lawful manner.
The decision came a day after the same court had issued an interim injunction preventing INEC and its officials from receiving or acting on any petition containing signatures from the district’s voters. The injunction also barred the electoral body from conducting a referendum on the recall process until a substantive motion on the matter was determined.
The earlier ruling was granted following an ex-parte application supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency, submitted by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Their counsel, Smart Nwachimere, argued that the recall petition was tainted with irregularities, including alleged fraudulent signatures. He contended that allowing the process to proceed based on manipulated documents would undermine the integrity of the electoral system.
Despite the claims, the court has now lifted the restriction, effectively allowing INEC to proceed with its constitutional role in handling the recall petition. However, it cautioned all parties involved to maintain order and follow due legal procedures.
The case has been adjourned until May 6, 2025, for further deliberation.
