The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has vacated its earlier order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from processing the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Delivering its ruling on Friday, the court affirmed that the recall process initiated by constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District is constitutionally valid and aligns with their civic rights. It however urged the petitioners to exercise these rights peacefully and in accordance with due process.
This decision follows an interim injunction granted on Thursday, which had temporarily prohibited INEC from receiving, accepting, or acting on the recall petition.
The injunction also barred the commission from conducting any referendum based on the petition pending the determination of a related motion.
The interim order was issued in response to an ex-parte application supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency, filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from Kogi Central.
Their legal counsel, Smart Nwachimere, had argued that the recall petition contained fictitious signatures, raising concerns over its authenticity.
While lifting the restriction on INEC, the court maintained its position against the use of fraudulent entries, warning that the electoral body must not act on any recall petitions found to contain fake signatures.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for further proceedings.
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