By Odita Sunday
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, also ordered Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to stop parading himself as the APC candidate for the senatorial seat.
The judge held that evidence before the court established that Okorocha won the party’s primary election conducted on May 18, 2026, contrary to the recognition of Uzodinma as the party’s flag bearer.
Consequently, the court directed the APC to forward Okorocha’s name to INEC for publication as its candidate for the Imo West senatorial contest scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The judgment followed a suit filed by Okorocha challenging Uzodinma’s recognition as the party’s candidate for the district, also known as Orlu Zone.
The ruling represents a major development in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections in Imo State, with the court directing the party and the electoral commission to recognise Okorocha’s claim to the ticket.
INEC’s timetable lists January 16, 2027, as the date for the presidential and National Assembly elections, including the Imo West senatorial poll.
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