Court Orders APC to Replace Uzodinma with Okorocha

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to stop presenting himself as the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday following a ruling that Uzodinma did not win the APC primary election held on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The court ruled that evidence presented during the case showed that former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, secured the majority of votes cast during the primary and should therefore be recognised as the winner.Justice Egwuatu consequently directed the APC to submit Okorocha’s name to INEC as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial election in the 2027 general elections.The judge also ordered INEC to accept Okorocha as the lawful APC candidate and publish his name as the party’s representative for the senatorial contest.

In the ruling, the court reportedly found that several documents used in the process of nominating Uzodinma were fabricated. The judge said the alleged documents were in violation of provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.The development could significantly affect the APC’s preparations for the 2027 Imo West senatorial election, as the party is now expected to comply with the court’s directive.

Uzodinma is currently serving as the Governor of Imo State, with his tenure scheduled to end on January 14, 2028.The court’s decision comes as political activities continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and politicians already making preparations for various elective positions across the country.