By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027, nullifying Governor Hope Uzodimma’s emergence as the party’s candidate
However, the APC in Imo State has maintained that Uzodimma remains its senatorial candidate, despite the court ruling, setting the stage for a possible legal and political battle ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that evidence presented before the court showed that Uzodimma did not win the APC senatorial primary conducted in Imo West on May 18, 2026.
The court ruled that Okorocha secured the highest number of votes in the primary election and was therefore entitled to the party’s ticket.
Consequently, Justice Egwuatu directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Okorocha as the duly nominated APC candidate and publish his name for the forthcoming senatorial election.
The judge also restrained Uzodimma from presenting himself as the APC candidate for the district.
The judgment represents a significant development in the contest for the Imo West senatorial seat, particularly given Uzodimma’s position as the incumbent governor and Okorocha’s former leadership of the state.
Reacting to reports of a purported change in its senatorial candidacy, the APC in Imo State, in a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, insisted that Uzodimma remained its candidate.
The party described reports circulating on social media about a change in its choice as unverified, alleging that opposition figures were promoting the claims.
According to the statement, Uzodimma emerged victorious in the party’s primary election with overwhelming support from members, and the APC continued to recognise him as its candidate for Imo West.
However, the party disclosed that its legal department would study the outcome of the court’s intervention and take appropriate action.
The APC urged its members and supporters to remain calm, focused and committed to the party’s activities, warning them against distractions arising from the controversy.
It also called on party faithful to intensify efforts towards securing victory for the APC across all constituencies in Imo State.
The statement was signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Dr Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, who reiterated the APC’s commitment to its political objectives in the state.
The party concluded with its familiar slogan, “APC… Progress!”
The conflicting positions of the court and the state chapter of the APC have raised questions about the final resolution of the party’s Imo West senatorial candidacy.
While the court has directed INEC to recognise Okorocha, the APC says it will review the judgment and determine its next course of action.
As of Thursday, there was no indication in the reports that either party had formally announced plans to appeal the judgment.
The development is expected to have implications for the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections in Imo State, particularly the battle for the Imo West senatorial seat.
