The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has maintained that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general election. This stance comes despite a recent court ruling in favor of former governor Rochas Okorocha. According to the party, Uzodimma emerged victorious in its senatorial primary and secured the party's ticket. The APC reaffirmed its support for Uzodimma's candidacy, citing the outcome of the primary election.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, PhD, the APC clarified its position on Uzodimma's nomination. The party emphasized that its support for Uzodimma is based on his victory in the primary election, which was conducted with the participation of the majority of party members. The statement read, "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 court ruling in question was delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 29, 2026. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled in favor of Okorocha, who had challenged the recognition of Uzodimma as the APC's candidate for the district in the 2027 election. The court held that Okorocha won the party's senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, and ordered the APC to submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate for the election.
Okorocha had approached the court to challenge INEC's publication of Uzodimma's name as the APC candidate. He argued that the commission ought to recognize the result of the primary election as recorded by its officials who monitored the exercise. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026, listed INEC, the APC, and Uzodimma as respondents. The former governor asked the court to set aside the recognition of Uzodimma and direct INEC to publish his name as the duly nominated candidate of the party.
The APC has indicated that it will examine the legal developments surrounding the disputed nomination before deciding on its next move. The party's legal department will study the judgment and act accordingly. This suggests that the party is considering its legal options and may pursue an appeal or adopt another course of action through the appropriate legal process.
The controversy raises questions about how the party will reconcile its position with the court's directive. The APC's statement does not announce a final decision on an appeal, but it is expected to communicate its next steps after its legal department studies the judgment. The party's stance has introduced a fresh layer of complexity into the disagreement, which may have implications for the 2027 general election.
The Imo West Senatorial District election is scheduled for January 16, 2027. The APC's decision to stand by Uzodimma's candidacy despite the court ruling may lead to further legal challenges or negotiations between the party and Okorocha. The outcome of this dispute will likely have significant implications for the APC and the senatorial election in Imo State.
Key points
- Imo APC insists Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its senatorial candidate despite court ruling favoring Rochas Okorocha.
- Court rules Okorocha won APC's senatorial primary, ordering party to submit his name to INEC.
- APC to study court judgment and consider its legal options before taking further action.
