Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has announced plans to appeal a Federal High Court judgement that recognised his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections. Uzodimma's Chief Press Secretary, Oguike Nwachuku, described the ruling as a "travesty of justice" and expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn it.
The governor's reaction followed Okorocha's recent appearance on Arise News' Prime Time, where he claimed to remain the dominant political figure in the APC in Imo State. Okorocha also accused Uzodimma's camp of relying on documents containing irregularities to secure the party's senatorial ticket. In response, Nwachuku insisted that Uzodimma won the Imo West senatorial primary by an overwhelming margin.
According to Nwachuku, a direct primary was conducted in Imo West after Okorocha rejected the consensus arrangement adopted in the other two senatorial districts. Political stakeholders in Owerri Zone and Okigwe Zone opted for consensus arrangements that produced Prince Alex Mbata and Senator Patrick Ndubueze, respectively. Okorocha, however, insisted on contesting against Uzodimma across the 12 local government areas in Imo West.
Nwachuku stated that Uzodimma emerged victorious with 230,464 votes against Okorocha's 1,098 votes. The spokesperson further said officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present during the exercise, while the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee supervised the process across the local government areas. He insisted that the exercise was legitimate and accused Okorocha of attempting to undermine the APC.
Nwachuku dismissed Okorocha's claim to control the APC structure in Imo State, arguing that the party's rules recognise sitting governors as leaders of the party in their respective states. According to him, President Bola Tinubu remains the national leader of the APC, while Uzodimma controls the party's structure in Imo State.
The spokesperson accused Okorocha of chasing shadows and intentionally working against the interest of the APC, which he claims to be a founding member of, and the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. He emphasised that Uzodimma's position as governor makes him the leader of the party in Imo State, in accordance with APC rules.
The development further highlights the ongoing political tensions between Uzodimma and Okorocha in Imo State. The Court of Appeal will now determine the rightful APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District.
Key points
- Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, will appeal a Federal High Court judgement favouring Rochas Okorocha.
- Uzodimma won the Imo West senatorial primary with 230,464 votes.
- The Court of Appeal will determine the rightful APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District.
