The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified Governor Hope Uzodimma’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, directing the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize former governor Rochas Okorocha instead.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that evidence presented before the court established that Okorocha, rather than Uzodimma, won the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026.
The court consequently ordered INEC to recognise and publish Okorocha’s name as the party’s validly nominated candidate for the senatorial election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
It also restrained Uzodimma from continuing to present himself as the APC’s candidate for the contest.
Court Says Okorocha Won the Primary
The dispute arose after the APC recognized Uzodimma as its candidate for the Imo West seat, a decision challenged by Okorocha, who maintained that he had won the party’s primary.
In his suit, the former governor questioned the declaration of Uzodimma as the winner and asked the court to compel the party and INEC to recognize the outcome he said was reflected in the election monitoring records.
After considering the evidence, Justice Egwuatu ruled that Okorocha had secured the highest number of valid votes and was entitled to the party’s nomination.
The judgment represents a significant setback for Uzodimma’s ambition to move from the Imo State Government House to the Senate.
APC Rejects the Ruling
Despite the court’s decision, the Imo State chapter of the APC has insisted that Uzodimma remains its candidate.
The party’s state publicity secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, said the governor won the primary with the support of the majority of party members.
The APC described reports of a change in its senatorial candidacy as unverified and said its legal department would study the judgment before deciding on its next steps.
The party also urged its members and supporters to remain focused while the legal issues are addressed.
The disagreement leaves the party facing uncertainty over its representation in the Imo West senatorial race as the 2027 elections approach.
What the Judgment Means for Uzodimma
Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition has attracted considerable attention because he is still serving as Imo State governor, with his current tenure expected to run until 2028.
The court ruling, if upheld through any subsequent appeal, could derail his plan to contest the Imo West seat and potentially pursue a leadership position in the Senate.
However, the APC’s rejection of the outcome suggests that the dispute may continue through the judicial process.
For Okorocha, the ruling is a major boost to his bid to return to the National Assembly after previously representing Imo West in the Senate from 2019 to 2023.
The final outcome will depend on the implementation of the judgment and any further legal proceedings initiated by the affected parties.
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