A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is ineligible to contest the Imo West senatorial seat, and has declared former Governor Rochas Okorocha the rightful All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. The judgment was delivered on Thursday and immediately prompted calls for an appeal from the state government.
Key facts: the court nullified Uzodimma's candidacy; Okorocha was named the lawful APC nominee; the ruling came on Thursday, 31 October 2024; the Imo APC maintains that Uzodimma remains its candidate; the state government labelled the decision a miscarriage of justice.
The court's decision overturned the earlier party primary results that had seen Uzodimma emerge as the APC flagbearer for the Imo West district. In an interview on ARISE Prime Time, Okorocha questioned how a sitting governor, whose term runs until January 2028, could abandon the governorship to seek a Senate seat, noting that Uzodimma has never previously won an election.
The Imo APC, however, rejected the judgment, insisting that Uzodimma continues to be its official candidate. The state government announced it will file an appeal, describing the verdict as a miscarriage of justice that undermines the democratic process.
Adding to the political drama, a 2021 video resurfaced online showing Okorocha dancing with then‑Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. Wike, now serving as the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has publicly pledged to block any attempt by Uzodimma to become Senate President.
Former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje visited Okorocha on Thursday, hours after the ruling, praising the outcome as a well‑deserved victory and a vindication of the party’s internal processes.
In the National Assembly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole used Wednesday’s plenary to address human trafficking, recalling a conversation with an Italian ambassador in which he urged Italy to curb demand for trafficked women while Edo State tackled supply. The ambassador reportedly replied that Italians could not resist Edo girls.
Separately, the management of an event centre in Enugu refuted accusations by the New Democratic Coalition (NDC) that the venue was cancelled under government pressure. The centre said the October 29 booking was made by a professional body for a national conference, cancelled only after political party decoration materials arrived, and later allowed a youth town‑hall to proceed to avoid a breach of peace. No instruction from the Enugu State Government was received, and the NDC has not responded.
New details emerged about NDC supporter Mustapha Rilwan Olawale, whose arrest prompted Peter Obi to demand his release. Lawyers for Olawale confirmed the Department of State Services detained him over a WhatsApp message sent to INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Professor Ayobami Salami, which was deemed threatening. The commissioner accepted an apology but required Olawale to sign an undertaking not to repeat the act, and the lawyers emphasized that no political party was involved in the arrest.
A pro‑NDC video circulated comparing the average police officer’s living conditions with presidential expenditures, citing ₦5 billion for a new presidential yacht and ₦21 billion for the Vice President’s residence.
Skit maker Anti Abiba posted an emotional video announcing the death of her brother. She explained that the family exhausted their savings and borrowed heavily to keep him hospitalized during a prolonged illness before finally bringing him home when funds ran out.
In banking news, Fidelity Bank announced it has fully repaid its $400 million Eurobond at maturity. The five‑year notes, issued in 2021 with a 7.625 % coupon, were redeemed on Wednesday using the bank’s own liquidity. The repayment follows a recapitalisation that raised the bank’s eligible regulatory capital to about ₦533 billion, surpassing the ₦500 billion minimum for banks holding an international licence. Managing Director Dr Nneka Onyeali‑Ikpe said the maturity had been planned from the outset.
Nigerian cyclist Bello Muhammad set a new Guinness World Record for the tallest unassisted bicycle, measuring nine feet five inches. He built the bike himself and achieved the record in Kebbi State on 22 September, riding and dismounting without safety tethers. The certificate was presented in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, where the Head of Service awarded him ₦1 million.
Finally, global music star Burna Boy gave fans a preview of a brand‑new, unreleased track during a live performance at the Apple Music Hall in London on Thursday night, accompanied by his full band.