A Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a major political setback to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, ordering him to stop presenting himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
In a significant judgment, the court declared that former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha won the APC senatorial primary election conducted on May 18, 2026, and should be recognised as the party’s legitimate candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the case, ruled that the evidence presented before the court established that Okorocha secured the majority of votes cast during the party’s primary election.
The judge consequently directed the APC to submit Okorocha’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for publication as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District.
The ruling effectively prevents Uzodimma from continuing to parade himself as the APC’s senatorial candidate for the constituency, potentially reshaping the political contest ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abuja Court Declares Rochas Okorocha Winner of APC Primary
At the centre of the legal dispute was the APC primary election conducted on May 18 to determine the party’s candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District.
Both Hope Uzodimma and Rochas Okorocha were associated with the contest for the party’s senatorial ticket, but disagreements over the outcome eventually resulted in a legal battle.
In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu held that the evidence before the court demonstrated that Okorocha obtained the highest number of votes during the primary.
The judge also noted that the election was monitored by INEC, making the evidence relating to the exercise an important consideration in determining its legitimate outcome.
Having examined the evidence, the court concluded that Okorocha, rather than Uzodimma, emerged victorious in the APC primary.
The decision effectively settles the dispute over who should be recognised as the party’s candidate, subject to the implementation of the court’s orders.
Hope Uzodimma Ordered to Stop Presenting Himself as APC Candidate
One of the most consequential aspects of the judgment is the order restraining Governor Uzodimma from continuing to parade himself as the APC candidate for Imo West.
The court’s directive means that the governor can no longer legitimately claim the party’s senatorial ticket based on the disputed primary election.
The ruling represents a significant development because Uzodimma is currently serving as governor of Imo State, while the senatorial contest concerns the Imo West District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute had placed two prominent political figures from the state on opposing sides of a battle over the APC’s nomination process.
By declaring Okorocha the winner of the primary, the court has ruled in favour of the former governor and rejected the position that Uzodimma emerged as the party’s candidate.
The order also places responsibility on the APC to recognise the outcome established by the court.
APC Directed to Submit Okorocha’s Name to INEC
Beyond declaring Okorocha the winner, Justice Egwuatu issued a specific directive requiring the APC to forward his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The party is expected to submit Okorocha’s name for publication as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
This aspect of the judgment is particularly important because political parties must formally communicate their candidates to INEC as part of the electoral process.
The court’s directive therefore goes beyond settling the disagreement between the two politicians. It also provides a clear instruction on the steps the APC must take following the determination of the primary election dispute.
With the January 16, 2027 election approaching, the party’s compliance with the ruling will be crucial to determining its representation in the senatorial contest.
A Major Political Development Ahead of the 2027 Elections
The judgment introduces a significant development into Imo State’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
Both Uzodimma and Okorocha are prominent figures in the state’s political environment, making the dispute over the APC senatorial ticket particularly consequential.
Okorocha previously served as governor of Imo State, while Uzodimma currently occupies the same position.
The court’s decision to recognise Okorocha as the winner of the APC primary creates a major shift in the party’s preparations for the Imo West senatorial election.
It also highlights the importance of internal party elections and the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes over candidate selection.
Political parties are expected to follow established nomination procedures, while candidates who challenge the outcome of internal elections can seek judicial intervention where they believe the process has been compromised or improperly conducted.
In this case, Justice Egwuatu’s ruling was based on the evidence presented regarding the May 18 primary election and the votes secured by the respective contenders.
What the Court’s Judgment Means for Imo West
The immediate implication of the ruling is that Rochas Okorocha has been declared the APC’s rightful candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The APC has also been directed to forward his name to INEC for official publication, while Uzodimma has been ordered to stop presenting himself as the party’s candidate.
The development could have important consequences for the APC’s political strategy in Imo State as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
It also places renewed attention on the relationship between party leadership, internal electoral procedures and judicial decisions in Nigeria’s political system.
For now, the court’s position is clear: Rochas Okorocha won the APC primary conducted on May 18 and should be recognised as the party’s candidate for Imo West.
The judgment marks a major legal victory for the former governor and a significant setback for Uzodimma as the battle for the 2027 senatorial election gathers momentum.
