The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the emergence of Governor Hope Uzodinma as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Imo West Senatorial election slated for January 16, 2027. This decision was made by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Thursday, following a judgment that considered evidence from the APC's primary election in the senatorial zone on May 18. The court found that Uzodinma was not the valid winner of the primary election.
According to the court's findings, Senator Rochas Okorocha, a former governor of Imo state, garnered the highest number of votes cast at the primary election. As a result, the court ruled that Okorocha ought to have been nominated by the party as their candidate for the senatorial election. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Senator Okorocha and publish his name as the authentic candidate of the APC for the upcoming senatorial poll.
The court also issued an order barring Governor Uzodinma from presenting himself as the candidate of the APC for the election. This decision implies that Uzodinma can no longer participate in the Imo West Senatorial election under the APC banner. The ruling has significant implications for the APC and the senatorial election in Imo West, as it paves the way for Senator Okorocha to contest the election.
The judgment was delivered after considering the evidence presented before the court. Justice Egwuatu's decision was based on the facts and circumstances of the case, including the outcome of the APC's primary election. The court's ruling is a significant development in the lead-up to the Imo West Senatorial election.
The APC had conducted its primary election in the senatorial zone on May 18, which was monitored by INEC. The primary election was a crucial step in determining the party's candidate for the senatorial election. However, the court's ruling has now set aside the outcome of that election, declaring Okorocha as the authentic candidate.
Senator Okorocha's emergence as the authentic candidate of the APC for the Imo West Senatorial election is a significant development for the party and the election. Okorocha will now contest the election under the APC banner, alongside other candidates. The court's ruling has resolved a critical dispute within the party, paving the way for a smooth electoral process.
The court's decision is final and binding, and it is expected that all parties will comply with the ruling. INEC will now publish Senator Okorocha's name as the authentic candidate of the APC for the Imo West Senatorial election. The election is scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified Governor Hope Uzodinma's candidacy for the Imo West Senatorial election, citing irregularities in the APC's primary election.
- Senator Rochas Okorocha has been declared the authentic candidate of the APC for the Imo West Senatorial election.
- The court's ruling has significant implications for the APC and the senatorial election in Imo West.
