Federal High Court Clears Path for Senator Natasha’s Recall Process in Landmark Ruling

In a dramatic turn of events, a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has paved the way for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The court’s decision, reported by Gists9ja on March 22, 2025, overturned an earlier ruling that had temporarily blocked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with a recall petition initiated by constituents dissatisfied with the senator’s performance. Delivered on Friday, March 21, 2025, this landmark judgment has ignited debates about electoral accountability and could mark a historic moment as Nigeria’s first successful senatorial recall, as of March 23, 2025.

A Reversal of Fortunes

The ruling came just a day after the same court issued an interim injunction on Thursday, March 20, 2025, restraining INEC from accepting or acting on any recall petition against Senator Natasha. That initial order had barred INEC, its staff, agents, or associates from receiving signatures from Kogi Central constituents or conducting a referendum, pending the resolution of a Motion on Notice. The injunction stemmed from an ex-parte application filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four other registered voters from Kogi Central, supported by an Affidavit of Extreme Urgency. Their counsel, Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa and Co., argued that the recall petitions contained “fictitious signatures,” a claim intended to halt the process.

However, in a swift reversal on Friday, the court set aside its prior restraint, affirming the recall process as “constitutionally valid” and aligned with the civic rights of Kogi Central constituents. The judge urged the petitioners to proceed “in an orderly and peaceful manner,” effectively greenlighting INEC to resume handling the recall effort. This about-face has left observers speculating about behind-the-scenes pressures or new evidence that may have influenced the court’s decision.

The Recall Process: Constitutional Backing

Under Section 69 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, constituents can recall a senator if more than half of registered voters in the district sign a petition expressing loss of confidence, which INEC must then verify. If the petition succeeds, a referendum—requiring a simple majority of votes—determines the senator’s fate. The court’s ruling reinforces this democratic mechanism, emphasizing that Kogi Central voters have the right to hold their representative accountable.

The recall bid against Senator Natasha gained momentum amid her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate, imposed weeks prior for allegedly violating chamber rules. Her suspension followed a public clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment—a claim that has polarized opinions and intensified scrutiny of her tenure. Constituents, led by groups like the Kogi Central Renaissance Assembly, have expressed frustration with her conduct, accusing her of “blackmail” and “unruly behavior” that they say tarnishes the district’s reputation.

Natasha’s Turbulent Tenure

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s time in office has been anything but smooth. Elected to represent Kogi Central, she has been a vocal figure, often clashing with Senate leadership. Her suspension stemmed from a dispute over seating arrangements during a plenary session, but her subsequent allegations against Akpabio escalated the situation. Natasha has since appeared on local and international platforms to argue that her suspension was retaliation for her harassment claims, a narrative her constituents and critics alike have contested.

The recall effort, reportedly underway since mid-March, saw constituents collecting signatures across Kogi Central’s five local government areas—Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, and Ogori/Magongo. While INEC initially distanced itself from the process, the court’s latest ruling now obligates the electoral body to engage, provided the petitioners meet constitutional thresholds.

Reactions and Implications

The decision has sparked varied responses. Supporters of the recall, including some X users, hailed it as a victory for grassroots democracy. One post described it as a lesson for Natasha, who “thought she was fighting Yahaya Bello,” the former Kogi governor, only to face her constituents’ wrath instead. Critics of the senator argue that her actions have embarrassed Kogi Central, with the Renaissance Assembly declaring, “We cannot trade the integrity of the state and Nigeria for the selfish tendencies of a senator.”

Conversely, Natasha’s allies, including civil society groups like CISLAC, have decried her suspension as unconstitutional, citing judicial precedents like Dino Melaye v. House of Representatives (2009) and Ali Ndume v. Senate President (2018), which ruled legislative suspensions unlawful. They view the recall as a politically motivated attack, possibly linked to her feud with Akpabio or broader APC-PDP rivalries, given her PDP affiliation.

The ruling’s timing—amid the Rivers State emergency rule controversy—adds a layer of national significance. If successful, Natasha’s recall could set a precedent as Nigeria’s first under the current democratic dispensation since 1999, testing the rarely invoked Section 69.

What Happens Next?

With the injunction lifted, INEC is now free to receive and verify the recall petition. Should it confirm that over half of Kogi Central’s roughly 300,000 registered voters (based on past electoral data) have signed, a referendum will follow within 90 days. The court has adjourned further proceedings to May 6, 2025, to monitor compliance and address any disputes, such as allegations of fake signatures.

For Senator Natasha, the stakes are high. A successful recall would end her tenure prematurely, while failure could bolster her position against detractors. For Nigeria, the outcome will signal whether constituents can wield recall as a viable tool to discipline elected officials—or if it remains a theoretical right.

For more details, see the original Gists9ja report from March 22, 2025. What’s your take on this unprecedented recall battle? Share your views below as Kogi Central’s political drama unfolds!