Imo-West: Okorocha Hails Court Verdict, Imo APC Insists on Uzodimma’s Senatorial Candidacy

Former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has hailed a Federal High Court judgment recognising him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections, declaring that justice has finally been served.

The court ordered Governor Hope Uzodimma to stop parading himself as the APC’s candidate for the senatorial seat and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Okorocha’s name as the party’s candidate.

Speaking after the ruling on Thursday, Okorocha expressed satisfaction with the outcome, alleging that the process that produced Uzodimma as the party’s candidate was similar to an election in which results were manipulated.

“Justice has finally prevailed. This was the same thing that happened when one person wrote more than 300 results, causing someone who came fourth to become number one,” Okorocha said.

The former governor commended the Nigerian judiciary, stressing that the judgment demonstrated the importance of the courts in resolving disputes over electoral processes and political party nominations.

He also suggested that the ruling reflected growing impatience with alleged impunity in the political system, stating that the Presidency was tired of such practices.

“I appreciate the Nigerian judiciary, and it is evident that the Presidency is tired of this nonsense,” he said.

Okorocha’s remarks followed the court’s decision on the dispute over who should represent the APC in the contest for the Imo West Senatorial District seat. The ruling places the party’s nomination process at the centre of the political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former governor urged his supporters in Imo West to remain calm and celebrate what he described as a victory over impunity.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has maintained that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, despite the Federal High Court ruling declaring former Governor Rochas Okorocha the winner of the party’s primary.

The party made its position known in a statement issued by its state Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, following reports that a court in Abuja had removed Uzodimma as the APC’s senatorial candidate and directed the party to recognise Okorocha.

The Imo APC described reports of Uzodimma’s removal as unverified, accusing opposition figures of circulating claims that the governor had lost the party’s ticket. It insisted that Uzodimma secured the nomination with the support of the majority of party members who participated in the primary election.

“The All Progressives Congress is aware of some unverified reports making the rounds across many social media platforms and being circulated by renowned opposition figures about a purported change in the candidacy of our Party for Imo West Senatorial District,” the statement said.

The party reiterated its support for Uzodimma, stating that he remained its candidate for the senatorial district after winning the primary with what it described as overwhelming support from party members.

However, the APC acknowledged the legal development, saying its legal department would examine the outcome of the court proceedings before deciding on the next course of action.

“The party’s legal department shall study the outcome of a legal intervention in this matter and act accordingly,” the statement added.

The party also urged its members and supporters to remain focused and avoid distractions as preparations continue for the 2027 elections. It called on them to sustain their efforts towards securing victories for the APC across constituencies in Imo State.