The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally admitted to have received a petition seeking the recall of embattled Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite a court order restraining such action.
INEC Secretary, Ms. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, acknowledged receipt of the petition on Monday, March 24, 2025, even as a Federal High Court in Lokoja had earlier barred the commission from initiating the recall process.
Justice Isa Dashen, presiding over the case, issued the restraining order on March 21 after listening to an application moved by counsel for the applicants, Smart Nwachimere of West-Idahosa (SAN) & Co.
The applicants, Anebe Jacob Ogirma, John Adebosi, Musa Adeiza, Ahmed Usman, and Maleek Yahaya—registered voters in Kogi Central—argued that any recall attempt should be halted until a substantive motion on notice is determined.
The court, recognizing the urgency of the matter, granted the interim injunction and ordered that INEC be served with the ruling. Justice Dashen fixed May 6 for the report of service and further mention of the case.
With INEC’s acceptance of the recall petition despite the court order, political tensions in Kogi Central continue to rise.
The move raises questions about the legality of the commission’s actions and sets the stage for a legal showdown over the fate of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat.
