The All Progressives Congress in Imo State has insisted that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election in 2027, despite a Federal High Court judgment recognising former governor Rochas Okorocha as the party’s candidate.
The party made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, and signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya Jones.
The statement followed a ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified Uzodimma’s emergence as the APC candidate and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise Okorocha.
The party, however, maintained that Uzodimma had won its senatorial primary and remained its preferred candidate.
The development has intensified the political disagreement surrounding the APC’s nomination for the Imo West senatorial election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
APC Defends Its Primary Process
In its statement, the Imo APC said Uzodimma remained its candidate because he had won the party’s primary with the support of the majority of its members.
The party dismissed reports suggesting that it had changed its position on the nomination.
It also expressed concern about information circulating on social media concerning the court’s decision and the alleged change in its candidate.
The statement emphasised that the party’s position had not changed.
According to the APC, its legal department would study the judgment and determine the appropriate action.
This indicates that the party is considering the legal implications of the ruling before taking further steps.
The APC also urged members and supporters to remain focused and avoid distractions arising from the dispute.
What the Court Decided
The Federal High Court had ruled that Okorocha was the lawful winner of the APC senatorial primary held on May 18, 2026.
Justice Egwuatu held that the evidence presented before the court established that Okorocha secured the highest number of votes.
The court subsequently directed INEC to recognise and publish his name as the party’s candidate for the Imo West senatorial election.
It also ordered Uzodimma to stop presenting himself as the APC candidate for the contest.
The ruling followed a challenge to the outcome of the party’s primary election.
The dispute centred on the validity of the nomination process and the evidence supporting the declaration of Uzodimma as the winner.
According to the court proceedings reported by Punch, the primary results recognised by INEC had declared Uzodimma the winner with 230,464 votes, while Okorocha was recorded with 1,098 votes.
Okorocha subsequently challenged the result.
The court’s decision therefore introduced a significant legal disagreement between the party’s position and the judicial determination.
APC Legal Department to Review Judgment
The party’s decision to refer the matter to its legal department suggests that the dispute may continue through further legal or administrative steps.
The APC has not, in the reported statement, announced a final legal strategy.
Its position is that Uzodimma remains its candidate based on the party’s understanding of the primary outcome.
However, the court has issued specific orders directing INEC to recognise Okorocha.
The difference between the party’s public position and the court’s judgment makes it important to distinguish political statements from legally binding decisions.
The final status of the nomination will depend on the applicable legal process and any subsequent judicial developments.
Implications for the 2027 Election
The disagreement could affect the APC’s preparations for the Imo West senatorial election.
Political parties rely on clear candidate selection processes to organise campaigns, mobilise supporters and prepare for electoral contests.
Disputes over nominations can create uncertainty among party members and affect campaign planning.
The situation also highlights the importance of transparent primaries and compliance with party regulations.
For voters in Imo West, the development raises questions about which candidate will eventually appear on the ballot under the APC platform.
The Independent National Electoral Commission will also have an important role in implementing any final legal decision affecting the party’s candidate.
As the election approaches, further developments are expected from the APC’s legal department and the courts.
Until then, the dispute remains an important political issue within the Imo State chapter of the ruling party.
