Okorocha Hails Court Victory Over Uzodimma in Imo Senatorial Ticket Row

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has hailed a Federal High Court judgment declaring him the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Imo West, describing the decision as a victory for the judiciary, democracy and the Nigerian Constitution.

Okorocha reacted to the ruling in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemodo, following the judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court ruled that Okorocha, rather than incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma, won the APC primary conducted on May 18, 2026, for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It consequently ordered the APC to submit Okorocha’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and directed the commission to publish his name as the party’s candidate for the senatorial election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The judge also restrained Uzodimma from presenting himself as the APC candidate for the district.

Reacting to the judgment, Okorocha described it as a landmark decision, expressing confidence in the judiciary and the country’s democratic institutions.

“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,” he said.

He added that the ruling represented a victory for the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Imo West Senatorial District.

The former governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu, commending him for what he described as providing an enabling environment for the judiciary and other institutions to function.

Okorocha further appreciated the national leadership of the APC for allowing party members to pursue their political aspirations and constitutional rights. He also thanked supporters in Imo State for their prayers and moral support during the legal dispute.

The case followed the APC’s declaration of Uzodimma as the winner of the senatorial primary, a result Okorocha challenged in court. The former governor sought judicial recognition as the party’s authentic candidate.

The judgment has intensified the dispute over the APC’s Imo West ticket. The party’s Imo State chapter has maintained that Uzodimma remains its candidate, saying its legal department would study the ruling and determine the next steps.

The dispute is expected to remain a significant issue for the party as preparations continue for the 2027 elections.