Kogi constituents win key legal round as court upholds their civic right to recall controversial senator
Lokoja, Nigeria – March 22, 2025 | In a major twist that’s sure to set political tongues wagging, a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has affirmed the constitutionality of the Natasha Akpoti recall process, giving constituents of Kogi Central the green light to continue their campaign to oust the embattled senator.
The court’s decision overrides a previous order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acting on the recall initiative. Justice A. O. Adegbite declared that the Natasha Akpoti recall process aligns with democratic principles and civic rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“Constituents have a right to recall their representative — peacefully and lawfully,” the court ruled.
A Tense Legal Battlefield
The ruling follows a dramatic turn of events. Just 24 hours prior, the same court had granted an interim injunction restraining INEC from acting on any recall petitions from Kogi Central — especially those containing alleged fictitious signatures.
The injunction, secured by five constituents led by Anebe Jacob Ogirima through their counsel Smart Nwachimere, cited “falsified” petitions that sought to mislead the electoral body. However, in a bold reversal, the court insisted that while signature fraud will not be tolerated, the recall process itself is lawful.
“The court recognizes the people’s right — not to be silenced, but to be heard,” Justice Adegbite said in a defining moment.
Political Heat: Akpoti, Akpabio, and the Undercurrents
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s tenure has been mired in controversy — including a public fallout with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment during a heated seat allocation dispute in the upper chamber.
That incident, coupled with rising discontent in Kogi Central, led to a groundswell of recall agitation from her constituents — a movement now bolstered by the court’s affirmation that the Natasha Akpoti recall process is constitutionally supported.
What’s Next: Countdown to Referendum?
Although Friday’s ruling upholds the right of constituents to continue the process, it also emphasizes order and peaceful conduct. INEC remains restrained from acting on any petition laced with fake or unverifiable signatures.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for further hearing — with both camps expected to intensify their legal and public relations battles.
As Kogi Central watches closely, the question remains: Will the recall process succeed, or will Natasha Akpoti weather this political storm?