A Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Governor Hope Uzodimma as the APC candidate for Imo West Senatorial District. The court declared former governor Rochas Okorocha the winner of the party’s senatorial primary.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday, October 29, 2026. He ruled that Okorocha secured the majority of votes during the APC primary held on May 18, 2026.
The judge ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) to submit Okorocha’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This would make him the party’s candidate for the January 16, 2027 senatorial election.
The court also directed Uzodimma to stop presenting himself as the party’s candidate.
APC Imo West Candidate Dispute Continues Ahead of 2027
Okorocha had approached the court to challenge Uzodimma’s nomination. He questioned the party’s decision to recognise the governor as its candidate.
In his suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026, the former governor argued that INEC’s monitoring report supported his victory.
He maintained that he secured the highest number of votes during the primary. He therefore asked the court to overturn Uzodimma’s nomination.
However, Uzodimma and the APC opposed the case. They argued that Okorocha filed his suit outside the 14-day period allowed for pre-election matters.
INEC also defended its position. The commission maintained that its monitoring report identified Uzodimma as the winner.
After reviewing the arguments, Justice Egwuatu ruled in Okorocha’s favour. He ordered the party to recognise the former governor as its candidate.
APC Rejects Judgment Ahead of 2027 Elections
Following the ruling, the Imo APC chapter rejected the court’s decision. The party maintained that Uzodimma remains its candidate.
The party also said its legal team would study the judgment. It would then decide on the next legal steps.
Meanwhile, Okorocha welcomed the ruling. He described it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
Okorocha governed Imo State from 2011 to 2019. He also represented Imo West in the Senate from 2019 to 2023.
The judgment adds another dispute to the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. It also raises fresh questions about the party’s candidate selection process.
Further legal action could determine the final outcome. The dispute remains important as INEC prepares for the next electoral cycle.
