Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has firmly rejected reports that he would surrender his ambition for the 2027 Senate race, dismissing such suggestions as a lie. The governor made the assertion on Sunday after attending Mass at the Government House Chapel in Owerri, the state capital.
The dispute stems from a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which on October 29, 2026, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove Uzodimma's name as Senatorial candidate for Imo West and replace it with that of former Governor Rochas Okorocha. Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the ruling on the grounds that Uzodimma did not win the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held on May 18.
The outcome of the ruling was subsequently rejected by the APC in the state, with the party insisting that Uzodimma remains its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District. The party has maintained its position despite the court order.
Speaking on Sunday, Uzodimma dismissed insinuations that he would cede his ticket to another candidate as deceptive. "If they tell you that I will hold this ticket and somebody will collect it and give it to another, tell the person it is a lie," he said.
He called on residents of the state to canvass support for the APC to ensure victory across all levels of government, mentioning names of candidates voters should rally round in the forthcoming elections. "Go and campaign for the party, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). There is no other political party we are going with. For house of assembly, it is APC. For the house of representatives, it is APC," the governor said.
He added, "For senate, your senator in Okigwe zone is Patrick Ndubueze, in Orlu zone it is my humble self (Hope Uzodimma), and in Owerri zone it is (Alex) Mbata," he said.
Meanwhile, Okorocha had earlier described the ruling nullifying Uzodimma's candidacy as a victory for the nation's judiciary and democracy. Okorocha, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemodo, commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for the Judiciary and other institutions to function for the nation's rapid development and growth. "This judgment, to say the least, is a resounding victory for the nation's judiciary. It is a victory for the nation's fast-growing democracy. It is an outstanding victory for the nation's Constitution, as amended. It is a remarkable victory for all lovers of what is right and haters of what is wrong. It is a notable victory for posterity and history. Finally, it is a victory for Imo people in general, and Imo West Senatorial District people in particular," he said.
The standoff between the court order and the party's position underscores the deepening political tensions surrounding the 2027 elections in Imo State, with both sides firmly entrenched in their respective positions.