Court Sacks Uzodinma as APC Imo West Senatorial Candidate, Recognises Okorocha

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified Governor Hope Uzodinma’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that evidence presented before the court showed that Uzodinma did not win the APC senatorial primary conducted in the district on May 18.

The court held that former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, secured the highest number of votes in the primary election monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Consequently, Justice Egwuatu directed INEC to recognise Okorocha as the validly nominated APC candidate for the forthcoming senatorial election and publish his name accordingly.

The court also restrained Uzodinma from parading himself as the APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District poll.

The ruling represents a significant development in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, potentially reshaping the party’s representation contest in Imo West.

INEC is expected to comply with the court’s directive by recognising Okorocha as the party’s candidate for the election.