Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has described a Federal High Court judgment recognising him as the All Progressives Congress candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections as a victory for democracy and the Nigerian Constitution.
Okorocha, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemodo, also commended President Bola Tinubu for “providing the enabling environment for the Judiciary and other Institutions to function for the nation’s rapid development and growth.”
The former governor spoke after Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the recognition of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the APC senatorial candidate and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish Okorocha’s name.
Describing the judgment as a landmark decision, Okorocha said, “This judgment, to say the least, is a resounding victory for the nation’s judiciary. It is a victory for the nation’s fast-growing democracy. It is an outstanding victory for the nation’s Constitution, as amended.”
He added, “It is a remarkable victory for all lovers of what is right and haters of what is wrong. It is a notable victory for posterity and history. Finally, it is a victory for Imo people in general, and Imo West Senatorial District people in particular.”
Okorocha also commended the APC leadership for allowing party members to pursue their legitimate aspirations and constitutional rights.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Imo West Senatorial District, for their prayers, moral support and spontaneous celebrations following the judgment.
The former governor also commended Uzodimma for being among the respondents in the case, describing his involvement in the proceedings as part of a historic judgment.
Okorocha further expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a victory.
Former APC national chairman and ex-Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, visited Okorocha to celebrate the judgment.
Addressing journalists during his visit, Ganduje described Okorocha as a friend, brother and colleague, adding that he was “highly delighted… impressed, and… so excited,” to hear about the judgment in favour of the former Imo State Governor.
“I am highly delighted, I’m so impressed, and I’m so excited to hear about the judgment that was passed today, in favour of my father, Rochas Okorocha, Rochas Foundation. That is why I’m here: to celebrate with him, and I’m happy to see you.”
However, the APC in Imo State insisted that Uzodimma remains its candidate for the senatorial district despite the court ruling.
The party, in a statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya Jones, said Uzodimma won the primary with the overwhelming support of party members.
“The party wishes to state without any confusion that His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma remains the candidate of our party for Imo West Senatorial District, having won the primaries of our great party with the overwhelming support of the majority of our party members,” the statement read.
It added that its legal department would study the judgment before determining its next course of action.
“The party’s legal department shall study the outcome of a legal intervention in this matter and act accordingly,” it said.
The APC also urged its members and supporters to remain focused and committed to securing victories across the state’s constituencies.
Justice Egwuatu, in his judgment, held that Uzodimma did not win the party’s May 18, 2026, senatorial primary and restrained him from parading himself as the APC candidate for the January 16, 2027 election.
The judge declared Okorocha the lawful winner of the primary, which was monitored by INEC, and directed the APC to submit his name to the commission.
He held that the nomination of Uzodimma breached Sections 29 and 32 of the Electoral Act and failed to comply with the party’s guidelines for conducting primary elections.
The judge consequently declared that it was unlawful and fraudulent for the APC to have forwarded Uzodimma’s name to INEC as the winner of an election he did not win.
He held, “That the publication of Hope Uzodimma’s name by INEC as the winner of the primary election is wrongful and unlawful.”
Okorocha celebrates as court voids Uzodimma’s senatorial nomination
