The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the emergence of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that evidence before the court established that Uzodinma did not win the APC senatorial primary conducted in the district on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court ruled that former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, secured the highest number of votes in the primary and was therefore entitled to the party’s ticket for the forthcoming election.
Consequently, Justice Egwuatu ordered INEC to recognise Okorocha and publish his name as the authentic APC candidate for the Imo West senatorial contest.
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The court also restrained Uzodinma from presenting himself as the APC candidate for the election.
The ruling marks a significant development in the contest for the Imo West senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the court’s decision directing the electoral commission to recognise Okorocha as the party’s nominee.