The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the emergence of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise former governor Rochas Okorocha as the party’s authentic candidate.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, October 29, 2026, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, following a legal dispute over the outcome of the APC senatorial primary conducted in the district on May 18.
According to a report by Vanguard, the court held that the evidence before it established that Uzodimma was not the valid winner of the primary election monitored by INEC.
Justice Egwuatu ruled that Okorocha secured the highest number of votes cast during the exercise and was therefore entitled to the party’s nomination for the senatorial contest.
Consequently, the court ordered INEC to recognise Okorocha and publish his name as the authentic APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.
The court also restrained Uzodimma from presenting himself as the APC candidate for the poll.
The ruling represents a significant development in the political contest for Imo West, a senatorial district that has remained central to the political calculations of influential figures in the state.
Okorocha, a former governor of Imo State, previously represented Imo West in the Senate. His reported emergence as the valid winner of the disputed primary, as recognised by the court, could reshape the APC’s preparations for the forthcoming election.
For Uzodimma, the decision presents a major legal and political setback in the contest over the party’s senatorial ticket. The ruling also places renewed attention on the procedures political parties adopt in conducting primary elections and selecting candidates for elective offices.
The dispute underscores the importance of transparent primary elections, credible vote counting and compliance with electoral laws. Political parties are expected to ensure that their nomination processes reflect the actual outcome of properly conducted primaries and satisfy the requirements of the law.
INEC’s role in monitoring party primaries and publishing candidates in accordance with applicable legal decisions remains crucial to the integrity of the electoral process.
The January 16, 2027, Imo West senatorial election is expected to attract considerable political attention as the parties and aspirants position themselves for the contest.
The court’s order directs INEC to recognise Okorocha as the APC’s candidate, although any subsequent appeal or further court order could affect the final legal position.
