APC rejects court ruling, insists Uzodimma remains Imo West candidate

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has rejected a Federal High Court ruling recognising former governor Rochas Okorocha as its candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections, insisting that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its flagbearer.

The party said Uzodimma emerged winner of its senatorial primary with the support of the majority of its members, adding that its legal department would study the judgment and determine the next steps.

The APC’s position followed a ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Okorocha’s name as the party’s candidate for the district.

The court also directed Uzodimma to stop presenting himself as the APC candidate for the January 16, 2027 election.

In a statement on Thursday, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya Jones, maintained that the governor remained its candidate despite the ruling.

Court voids Uzodinma’s APC ticket

“The Party wishes to state without any confusion 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 said.

The party added, “The Party’s legal department shall study the outcome of a legal intervention in this matter and act accordingly.”

It also urged members and supporters to remain committed to securing victories for the APC across the state in the 2027 elections.

The dispute arose from the party’s May 18, 2026 senatorial primary, in which Uzodimma was declared winner with 230,464 votes, while Okorocha polled 1,098 votes, according to results recognised by INEC.

Okorocha challenged the outcome in court, disputing Uzodimma’s recognition as the party’s candidate.

In its ruling on Thursday, the court held that Okorocha was the lawful winner of the primary and ordered the APC to submit his name to INEC. It also faulted inconsistencies in documents the party presented to support Uzodimma’s nomination.

The APC’s rejection of the ruling sets the stage for a legal and political contest over who will represent the party in the Imo West senatorial race.