Uzodimma Moves To Appeal Court Over Ruling Recognising Okorocha As Imo West APC Candidate
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is challenging a Federal High Court judgment that nullified his nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District and recognised former governor Rochas Okorocha as the party’s validly nominated candidate.
The court ruling followed a legal dispute over the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled in favour of Okorocha, holding that he won the party’s primary and was entitled to the senatorial ticket.
The court consequently nullified Uzodimma’s recognition as the APC candidate and directed the party to submit Okorocha’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognition and publication.
Okorocha had approached the court to challenge the outcome of the primary, arguing that the evidence, including reports from INEC officials who monitored the exercise, supported his claim to victory.
The judgment has triggered fresh political tension within the Imo APC, given Uzodimma’s position as the state governor and Okorocha’s former governorship and senatorial experience.
Following the ruling, the Imo State chapter of the APC maintained that Uzodimma remained its candidate, indicating that the party would examine the judgment and pursue appropriate legal options.
However, Uzodimma’s decision to challenge the ruling could take the dispute to the Court of Appeal, leaving the final determination of the party’s ticket to the appellate courts.
The legal battle is expected to shape the APC’s preparations for the 2027 senatorial election in Imo West, as both political camps seek judicial resolution of the disputed nomination.
The dispute underscores the growing legal and political contest within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.