A Federal High Court in Lokoja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to accept any petition aimed at recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This ruling comes amid increasing efforts to remove her from office, with several groups in Kogi Central supporting the recall process.

Despite allegations that political opponents are influencing the recall move with money, a group of Ebira indigenes has denied these claims.

The court’s decision, issued on Thursday, also prevents INEC staff and agents from acting on any petition that contains fake signatures. INEC is further restricted from conducting a referendum until a final decision is made.

According to court documents, the order was granted after an urgent request was submitted by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from Kogi Central.

The legal team, led by Smart Nwachimere of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., successfully argued for the interim injunction. The case will continue on May 6, 2025.

Following the ruling, a group called Action Collective praised the court’s decision. Their coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, said the order would expose those behind what he described as a failed attempt to recall Senator Natasha.

The case remains ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming months.