The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to stop parading himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

 

The court also declared former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha the winner of the APC senatorial primary election held on May 18, 2026, ruling that he secured the majority of votes cast during the exercise.

 

According to Channels Television, Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday after reviewing the evidence presented before the court concerning the party’s primary election.

 

Court Rules in Okorocha’s Favour

In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu held that the evidence before the court established that Okorocha won the majority of votes cast in the APC primary monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

The ruling effectively invalidates Uzodimma’s claim to the party’s ticket for the Imo West Senatorial District contest, which forms part of the 2027 general elections.

 

The judge subsequently ordered the governor to immediately stop presenting himself as the APC’s senatorial candidate for the district.

 

APC Ordered to Submit Okorocha’s Name

The court also directed the APC to submit Okorocha’s name to INEC as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.

 

The order places the responsibility on the ruling party to recognise the outcome of the primary election as determined by the court and take the necessary steps to reflect the judgment in its nomination process.

 

The decision represents a major development in the contest for the APC ticket in Imo West, a senatorial district previously represented by Okorocha before he left the Senate.

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Background to the Imo West Senatorial Contest

Okorocha, who governed Imo State from 2011 to 2019, previously represented Imo West in the Senate after leaving office as governor. His political influence in the state has remained a significant factor in the contest for political positions within the APC.

 

Uzodimma, on the other hand, became governor of Imo State in January 2020 and secured a second term in the November 2023 governorship election.

 

The dispute over the APC senatorial ticket highlights the competition for political influence within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Party primaries determine the candidates political parties present for elective offices, while INEC oversees and administers the electoral process in accordance with applicable laws. Disagreements over primary election outcomes can be taken to court, where judges examine the evidence and determine whether the process complied with relevant legal requirements.

 

Implications for the 2027 Election

The court’s decision could reshape the APC’s preparations for the Imo West Senatorial District election, particularly if the party proceeds to implement the directive and submit Okorocha’s name to INEC.

 

The ruling also underscores the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes over party nominations and determining who is legally entitled to represent a political party in an election.

 

However, the practical effect of the judgment will depend on the parties’ compliance with the court’s orders and any further legal proceedings that may arise.

 

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the APC faces the task of ensuring that its candidate selection process complies with judicial decisions and electoral requirements.

 

The judgment marks a significant setback for Uzodimma’s senatorial bid and a major victory for Okorocha in the battle for the APC ticket in Imo West.