Court Bars Uzodinma From APC Senate Race, Backs Okorocha

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma from parading himself as the All Progressives Congress candidate for Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, held that Uzodinma did not win the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026

The court ruled that former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, secured the majority of votes cast at the primary and ordered the APC to submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission as its candidate.

The judge also directed INEC to publish Okorocha's name as the party's flag bearer, effectively rejecting Uzodinma's claim to the ticket.

The judgment represents a significant development in the political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections and could affect speculation surrounding Uzodinma's reported ambition to become Senate President in the 12th National Assembly.

The ruling places the APC leadership under pressure to comply with the court's directives as preparations for the senatorial election gather momentum.

The development is also likely to intensify political calculations in Imo State, where the dispute pits the incumbent governor against his predecessor.