Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has launched an appeal following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified his candidacy and declared former governor Rochas Okorocha the authentic All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer for the Imo West Senatorial District in the January 16, 2027 election. ​
The legal battle reached a turning point on Thursday, October 29, 2026, when Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered his ruling in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026. Presiding over the matter in Abuja, Justice Egwuatu barred Governor Uzodimma from parading himself as the party’s candidate.
The court held that documentary evidence submitted by Okorocha confirmed he had won the APC primary election held in Imo West on May 18, 2026, a contest monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Faulting the commission for initially recognising Uzodimma, the court issued an order directing INEC to publish Okorocha’s name as the lawful nominee. ​
Speaking to correspondents outside the Abuja courtroom immediately after the morning judgment, O.J. Aboje, lead counsel to Rochas Okorocha, praised the court’s verdict. Aboje noted that the ruling completely vindicated his client against recent public accusations regarding forged primary election documents.
Echoing these sentiments, Amen Rochas, Special Adviser on Political Matters to Okorocha, commended the judiciary for standing firm against intense media pressure and alleged attempts to manipulate the legal process. ​In response to the verdict, the Imo State APC leadership and Governor Uzodimma’s legal team confirmed they are actively processing a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
In a formal statement issued shortly after the trial court’s ruling, party representatives argued that Justice Egwuatu failed to properly evaluate conflicting primary election records. They contended that Okorocha filed his suit on August 13, 2026, nearly three months after the May 18 primary, violating Section 285(9) of the 1999 Constitution, which strictly mandates a 14-day window for initiating pre-election suits.
As both political heavyweights prepare to present their arguments before the appellate court, the unresolved dispute over the Imo West APC primary continues to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
