Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has described a Federal High Court judgment on the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary in Imo West as a victory for the judiciary, democracy and the Nigerian Constitution.
Okorocha had sued the ruling All Progressives Congress, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and others, seeking a declaration that he was the authentic party candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.
The APC had declared Uzodimma the winner of the senatorial primary, a decision Okorocha challenged at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In the suit, Okorocha also asked the court to determine whether it was constitutional for Uzodimma to contest the 2027 senatorial election while still serving as governor, whose tenure is expected to end in January 2028.
A Federal High Court in Abuja nullified Uzodimma’s recognition as the party’s candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish Okorocha’s name.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in his judgment, also restrained Uzodimma from parading himself as the APC senatorial candidate for the January 16, 2027 election, holding that he did not win the party’s May 18, 2026 primary.
The judge declared that Okorocha emerged as the lawful winner of the primary, which was monitored by INEC, and directed the APC to submit his name to the electoral commission as its candidate.
Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemodo, Okorocha described the judgment as a landmark decision.
Okorocha thanked President Bola Tinubu for “providing the enabling environment for the Judiciary and other Institutions to function for the nation’s rapid development and growth.”
He also commended the APC leadership for allowing party members to pursue their legitimate aspirations and constitutional rights.
The former governor expressed gratitude to the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Imo West Senatorial District, for their prayers, moral support and spontaneous celebrations following the judgment.
Okorocha also commended Uzodimma for being among the respondents in the case, describing his involvement in the proceedings as part of a historic judgment.
The former governor further expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a victory.
“This judgment, to say the least, is a resounding victory for the nation’s judiciary. It is a victory for the nation’s fast-growing democracy. It is an outstanding victory for the nation’s Constitution, as amended,” Okorocha said.
He added, “It is a remarkable victory for all lovers of what is right and haters of what is wrong. It is a notable victory for posterity and history. Finally, it is a victory for Imo people in general, and Imo West Senatorial District people in particular.”
Following the development, Okorocha, declared his support for the Rainbow Coalition being championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Okorocha made his position known on Thursday, October 29, shortly after the court ruled in his favour in the protracted dispute over the APC senatorial ticket with Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The former governor also indicated his readiness to establish the Rainbow Coalition in Imo State, with the stated objective of bringing politicians from different political parties together to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.
Speaking during a television interview, Okorocha praised Wike for promoting cooperation among politicians across party lines.
He suggested that political differences should not prevent individuals from working together when they share common objectives.
According to him, the coalition should focus on governance and the ability of individuals to contribute to the development of the country rather than restricting political cooperation to members of the same party.
“That’s what it’s called, governance. I’ve seen somebody who can do well, even though it’s not from my party. Let’s give them support,” Okorocha said.
The former governor further explained that the proposed arrangement would involve politicians from different political platforms, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), working together to achieve a common political objective.
He specifically mentioned plans to mobilise PDP members and other political actors in support of Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Meanwhile, 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.
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APC rejects court ruling, insists Uzodimma is Senatorial candidate
Uzodimma-Okorocha
Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:14:33 WAT
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.
