The Imo State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refused to accept a judgment from a Federal High Court that named former governor Rochas Okorocha as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, reaffirming that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains the party’s flagbearer.
Key facts
- The court order, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu in Abuja, instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to list Okorocha as the APC candidate for the January 16, 2027 poll.
- The party’s statement, released on Thursday by APC State Publicity Secretary Onwuasoanya Jones, cited the primary results where Uzodimma secured 230,464 votes against Okorocha’s 1,098.
- The ruling also highlighted discrepancies in documents the party submitted to support Uzodimma’s nomination.
- APC officials said the party’s legal team would review the judgment before deciding on further steps.
- The party urged members to stay united and work toward victories across Imo State in the upcoming elections.
What did the court rule?
The Federal High Court concluded that Okorocha was the lawful winner of the May 18, 2026 APC senatorial primary and ordered the party to forward his name to INEC for official publication. It also directed Uzodimma to cease presenting himself as the party’s candidate.
How did the APC respond?
In its Thursday communiqué, the APC emphasized that “His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, remains the candidate of our Party for Imo West Senatorial District, having won the primaries of our great Party with the overwhelming support of the majority of our Party members.” The statement added that the party’s legal department would study the court’s decision and act accordingly.
Background of the dispute
The controversy stems from the party’s senatorial primary held on May 18, 2026, where INEC‑validated results showed Uzodimma winning by a large margin while Okorocha received a modest tally. Unhappy with the outcome, Okorocha filed a legal challenge, prompting the court’s intervention.
Next steps
The APC has indicated it will assess the legal ruling before determining any further action, while simultaneously urging its supporters to remain committed to the party’s broader political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.