Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has reaffirmed his influence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, dismissing rival claims to the party’s structure amid his growing dispute with Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Okorocha spoke during an interview with Arise News on Thursday, October 29, 2026, insisting that his contributions to the party’s formation and development in the state remained significant.
He questioned the legitimacy of those challenging his position, arguing that no recognised party congress had been conducted to establish their authority.
His remarks followed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja on October 29, which declared him the winner of the APC senatorial primary for Imo West held on May 18, 2026.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu directed the party to submit Okorocha’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate for the January 16, 2027 election. The ruling followed a suit filed by the former governor on August 13, 2026, challenging Uzodimma’s recognition as the primary winner.
Dismissing claims that influential interests were working against him, Okorocha described those allegedly mobilised to challenge his position as political aides of the governor.
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He also questioned the Imo State Government’s reported intention to appeal the judgment, arguing that the dispute concerned the senatorial ambitions of two individuals rather than the state government.
The latest confrontation revives the longstanding rivalry between both politicians, which intensified during the 2019 governorship succession battle. Okorocha backed his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, while Uzodimma emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate.
Their disagreement subsequently extended to the party’s state leadership, producing rival factions and prolonged legal battles. On May 27, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in the dispute involving the competing state executives, recognising the Daniel Nwafor-led faction.
The Imo APC has rejected the latest court judgment, maintaining its recognition of Uzodimma as its candidate for Imo West, while the state government has indicated plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
Okorocha, however, expressed confidence in his ability to mobilise support for the APC and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The planned appeal is expected to determine the next phase of the dispute over the party’s Imo West senatorial ticket.