…Imo APC Rejects Judgment, Vows to Challenge Ruling
Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has described a Federal High Court judgment declaring him the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Imo West as a victory for democracy, the judiciary and the Nigerian Constitution.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu in Abuja on Thursday, nullified the recognition of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election and directed the party to submit Okorocha’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reacting through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemodo, Okorocha described the ruling as a landmark decision.
“This judgment, to say the least, is a resounding victory for the nation’s judiciary. It is a victory for the nation’s fast-growing democracy. It is an outstanding victory for the nation’s Constitution, as amended,” Okorocha said.
He added, “It is a remarkable victory for all lovers of what is right and haters of what is wrong. It is a notable victory for posterity and history. Finally, it is a victory for Imo people in general, and Imo West Senatorial District people in particular.”
The former governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for “providing the enabling environment for the Judiciary and other Institutions to function for the nation’s rapid development and growth.”
He commended the APC leadership for allowing party members to pursue their political aspirations and constitutional rights.
Okorocha also expressed gratitude to the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Imo West Senatorial District, for their prayers, moral support and celebrations following the judgment.
He further commended Uzodimma for being a respondent in the suit, describing his involvement in the proceedings as part of a historic judgment, and thanked God for what he called a victory.
Court nullifies Uzodimma’s nomination
The dispute arose from the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, to select the party’s candidate for Imo West, also known as Orlu Senatorial District.
The party had declared Uzodimma the winner, with 230,464 votes against Okorocha’s 1,098, according to results recognised by INEC.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, Okorocha approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging Uzodimma’s nomination and the electoral commission’s recognition of the governor as the party’s candidate.
In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu held that the evidence before the court established that Okorocha secured the majority of lawful votes cast during the primary, which INEC officials monitored.
The judge consequently ordered the APC to forward Okorocha’s name to INEC and restrained Uzodimma from parading himself as the party’s candidate for the senatorial election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Okorocha also asked the court to determine whether Uzodimma could constitutionally contest the senatorial election while serving as governor, given that his second term is expected to end in January 2028.
APC rejects judgment
Despite the ruling, the Imo State chapter of the APC has maintained that Uzodimma remains its authentic candidate for the election.
In a statement, the party questioned the legal basis of the judgment and raised concerns about compliance with constitutional provisions governing pre-election disputes.
The Imo State Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, also described the judgment as “a complete travesty of justice” and said the state government would approach the Court of Appeal to seek its reversal.
Emelumba argued that Okorocha instituted his suit outside the 14-day period prescribed for relevant pre-election matters under the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
He said Okorocha filed the case on August 13, 2026, nearly three months after the May 18 primary.
The dispute is expected to continue through the courts as the parties contest the validity of the primary and the nomination of the APC candidate for Imo West.
Uzodimma, who is serving his second term as governor, is expected to remain in office until January 2028, while the next Senate is scheduled to be inaugurated in June 2027.
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