A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified Governor Hope Uzodimma’s nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday, October 29, following a legal challenge by former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha.
The court held that Okorocha won the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026.
It subsequently ordered the party to submit Okorocha’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The judge also directed INEC to recognise Okorocha and restrained Uzodimma from presenting himself as the APC candidate for the January 16, 2027 senatorial election.
However, the ruling has triggered fresh political tension within the party, as its Imo State chapter maintains that Uzodimma remains its candidate.
Court Bars Uzodimma After Primary Dispute
The case arose from a dispute over the outcome of the APC primary for Imo West, also known as Orlu Zone.
Okorocha challenged INEC’s recognition of Uzodimma as the party’s candidate.
He argued that he won the primary and should have been nominated for the senatorial election.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026, named INEC, the APC and Uzodimma as defendants.
During the proceedings, the defendants reportedly challenged the court’s jurisdiction and argued that the case was filed outside the legally permitted period.
However, Justice Egwuatu rejected their objections and proceeded to examine the evidence concerning the primary election.
The judge concluded that the evidence established Okorocha’s victory.
The court also faulted the documents submitted to support Uzodimma’s nomination, according to reports published after the judgment.
Consequently, it ruled that Okorocha was entitled to have his name submitted to INEC as the party’s candidate.
Court Orders INEC to Recognise Okorocha
The judgment represents a major development in the contest for the APC ticket in Imo West.
The court directed the APC to forward Okorocha’s name to INEC and ordered the commission to recognise and publish him as the party’s candidate.
It also set aside Uzodimma’s recognition as the party’s nominee for the senatorial election.
The decision challenges the position previously reflected in INEC’s published candidate information.
Earlier reports indicated that INEC had recognised Uzodimma as the winner of the primary, prompting Okorocha to seek judicial intervention.
The court’s ruling now favours Okorocha’s claim that he secured victory in the party’s primary.
However, the political and legal consequences will depend on the implementation of the judgment and any subsequent appeal.
Imo APC Rejects the Court’s Decision
Despite the judgment, the APC in Imo State has insisted that Uzodimma remains its candidate for Imo West.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party maintained that the governor won the primary with overwhelming support from party members.
The state chapter described reports of a change in its senatorial candidacy as unverified.
It also said its legal department would study the judgment and take appropriate action.
The party urged members and supporters to remain focused while it considers its next steps.
The statement signals that the dispute may continue through further legal proceedings.
However, the party’s position does not, by itself, overturn the court’s judgment.
Any challenge to the ruling will depend on the appropriate legal process and decisions by the relevant courts.
Political Implications for the APC
The dispute creates uncertainty for the APC as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
Okorocha previously served as Imo State governor from 2011 to 2019 and represented Imo West in the Senate from 2019 to 2023.
His legal challenge has also intensified the longstanding political rivalry between the former governor and Uzodimma.
The ruling could affect the party’s preparations, candidate recognition and campaign planning in the senatorial district.
It also raises questions about compliance with party primary procedures and electoral laws.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition has attracted attention because his current governorship tenure is expected to continue until January 2028.
The court’s reported reliance on constitutional provisions adds another dimension to the dispute.
Nevertheless, the immediate issue addressed by the judgment is the validity of the APC’s nomination for Imo West.
What Happens Next to Uzodimma and APC?
The next major development may involve the APC’s response through the courts.
The party has said it will study the judgment before deciding on its legal options.
Uzodimma and the APC may seek appellate review, although the precise steps taken must be confirmed through official statements or court records.
Until further developments emerge, the judgment remains a significant legal setback for Uzodimma’s bid for the Imo West Senate seat.
The dispute also places attention on INEC’s next actions regarding the candidate’s recognition and publication.
The coming days could clarify whether the ruling is implemented or challenged through further proceedings.
This Dawn News will continue monitoring the legal dispute and reporting verified developments involving the APC’s Imo West senatorial ticket.
