…Judge declares Okorocha winner of primary, orders APC to submit his name to INEC

By Frank Uzoho

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma in the dispute over the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, held that Uzodinma did not emerge victorious in the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The judge ruled that the evidence presented before the court showed that former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha obtained the majority of valid votes cast in the primary election.

Consequently, the court recognised Okorocha as the rightful winner of the APC primary for the Imo West Senatorial District seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Egwuatu directed the APC to forward Okorocha’s name to INEC as its candidate for the senatorial election. The electoral commission was also ordered to publish his name in accordance with the court’s decision.

The ruling marks a significant development in the contest for the APC ticket in Imo West, with the court’s directives placing Okorocha at the centre of the party’s nomination process for the 2027 senatorial election.

Atlantic Reporters will continue to monitor developments and bring readers further updates as more details emerge.