The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has rejected a Federal High Court ruling recognising former governor Rochas Okorocha as its candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, insisting that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its flagbearer
The party said Uzodimma emerged victorious in its senatorial primary with the overwhelming support of its members, adding that its legal department would study the court’s decision before determining its next course of action
The position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya Jones, following the ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja
The court had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Okorocha’s name as the APC candidate for the senatorial district ahead of the January 16, 2027 election
It also directed Uzodimma to stop presenting himself as the party’s candidate for the election
However, the APC maintained that the governor remained its duly nominated candidate, citing the outcome of the party’s primary election
“The Party wishes to state without any confusion that His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, remains the candidate of our Party for Imo West Senatorial District, having won the primaries of our great Party with the overwhelming support of the majority of our Party members,” the statement said
The party said it would examine the court’s decision before taking further action on the dispute
“The Party’s legal department shall study the outcome of a legal intervention in this matter and act accordingly,” it added
The APC also called on its members and supporters to remain committed to the party’s political objectives and work towards securing victories across Imo State in the 2027 elections
The dispute stems from the APC senatorial primary held on May 18, 2026, in which Uzodimma was declared the winner with 230,464 votes, while Okorocha was credited with 1,098 votes, according to the results recognised by INEC
Dissatisfied with the outcome, Okorocha approached the court to challenge the process and the recognition of Uzodimma as the party’s candidate for the district
In its ruling on Thursday, the court held that Okorocha was the lawful winner of the primary and ordered the APC to submit his name to INEC for publication as its candidate
The court also questioned inconsistencies in documents submitted by the party in support of Uzodimma’s nomination