Just in: INEC gets petition for Kogi Senator Natasha’s recall

Despite a court-ordered interim injunction, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The petition, submitted by a group called Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, cites “loss of confidence” in the senator due to allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and deceitful behavior.

Notably, over 250,000 registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District have signed the petition, invoking their rights under Nigerian law to demand Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal.

The petitioners urge INEC to commence the recall process, verify the signatures, and conduct a referendum as required by law.

The petition was received on Monday by the Commission’ Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

Persecondnews reported that a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, issued an interim injunction on March 12, temporarily barring INEC, its staff, and agents from processing petitions with allegedly fake signatures from the Kogi Central Senatorial district.

The order also prohibits the INEC from conducting any referendum based on such a petition to initiate the recall process from the Senate.

In his ruling, Justice Isa H. Dashen, in suit no. FHC/LKJ/CS/13/2025, stated: “Upon this Motion Ex-parte dated March 19, 2025, and filed on March 20, 2025, in the Registry of this Honourable Court, praying the Court for the following reliefs:

“An order of interim injunction restraining the Defendant (INEC), their staff, agents, privies, or assigns from receiving, accepting, or acting in any way whatsoever on any purported petition submitted by any person or persons containing fictitious signatures and names of purported members of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

“The order also restrains INEC from conducting any referendum upon such a petition for the purpose of initiating a recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.”

The court subsequently ordered as follows: “That an interim injunction is granted. That the return date shall be May 6, 2025, for a report of service and further mention.”

Details later…