Legal Showdown: Natasha’s Lawyers Challenge INEC’s Recall Petition In Fierce Court Clash

In a letter dated March 28, 2025, addressed to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and signed by Adanu Emmanuel Ogwiji, Head of Litigation at J.S Okutepa SAN & Co, the counsel emphasized that this request aligns with their client’s constitutional right to a fair hearing.

Ogwiji noted that a similar demand was made in a previous letter dated March 24, 2025, but no response had been received from the INEC chairman’s office despite the urgency of the matter.

He stressed that the INEC chairman must ensure that the petition and accompanying documents are served within 24 hours of receiving the latest letter.

Quoting a legal precedent, the letter cited the case of Senator Dino Melaye & 7 Ors. Vs. Independent National Electoral Commission (Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/S67/2017), where the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice (Dr.) Nnamdi O. Dimgba, emphasized the importance of transparency in public affairs. The judgment highlighted that failure to serve the petition and its supporting documents could breed suspicion and negatively impact public perception.

Ogwiji reiterated that the recall process should involve serving the petition, the schedule of signatures attached, and the full list of supporters as referenced in the petition.

The counsel warned that failure to comply within 24 hours would indicate that the commission is deliberately undermining Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental right to fair hearing, as guaranteed by the Constitution. They cautioned INEC against being used to sabotage their client’s rights and urged prompt compliance to avoid legal consequences.