A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the January 16, 2027 election, ruling against Governor Hope Uzodinma’s claim to the party’s ticket.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday after ruling that Uzodinma did not win the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026.
The court held that evidence presented before it established that Okorocha secured the majority of votes cast during the exercise, making him entitled to recognition as the winner.
The judgment also directed Uzodinma to stop presenting himself as the APC candidate for the senatorial district, while ordering the party to submit Okorocha’s name to INEC for the 2027 general elections.
Justice Egwuatu’s ruling followed a review of evidence relating to the APC primary, which was conducted on May 18 and monitored by INEC.
Okorocha, a former governor of Imo State, is seeking recognition as the APC’s candidate for the senatorial contest. The court’s decision centres on the outcome of the party’s primary and the evidence presented to establish who secured the majority of votes during the exercise.
