A Federal High Court in Lokoja has overturned an earlier ruling that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving a recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, initiated by her constituents in Kogi Central Senatorial District.

In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, the court affirmed that the recall process is constitutionally valid, emphasizing that it aligns with the civic rights of constituents. It urged them to exercise their rights in an orderly and peaceful manner.

This development follows the court’s interim injunction on Thursday, which had temporarily barred INEC, its staff, agents, or assigns from accepting or acting on any recall petition submitted by members of the senatorial district. The order also prevented INEC from conducting a referendum based on such a petition until a motion on notice was determined.

The injunction was granted following an ex-parte application filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four others—registered voters in Kogi Central—who argued that the recall petition contained fictitious signatures. Their counsel, Smart Nwachimere, maintained that fraudulent elements invalidated the process.

Despite the ruling, the court maintained its stance that INEC must not act on petitions containing fake signatures or conduct any referendum based on such documents.

The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for further proceedings.