Imo APC Vows Legal Action Against Court Ruling Recognising Okorocha as Candidate

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment recognising former Governor Rochas Okorocha as the party’s candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

The party said it would take immediate legal action to challenge the ruling, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Okorocha’s name as the APC’s candidate, displacing Governor Hope Uzodimma.

In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, the party maintained that Uzodimma remained its authentic candidate for the senatorial seat. It described the court’s decision as a temporary distraction that would not stand.

According to the APC, Uzodimma emerged through what it described as a legitimate and duly monitored party primary, after which his name was submitted to INEC as the candidate for Imo West.

The party also disputed the claim that Okorocha had emerged as its candidate, alleging that the court had been misled over the nomination process.

“Imo APC will take legal action over Imo West Senatorial candidacy. Governor Hope Uzodimma remains the candidate. Okorocha cannot and will not be allowed to fly our flag for Imo West,” the statement said.

The state chapter urged party members, supporters and stakeholders across Orlu zone to remain calm, law-abiding and focused despite the development. It said its legal team was already working to appeal the judgment and seek to have Uzodimma restored as the party’s candidate.

The dispute comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the court’s ruling placing the APC’s nomination process in Imo West under renewed scrutiny.

While Okorocha has welcomed the judgment, the state APC’s decision to challenge it means the dispute over who will represent the party in the senatorial contest remains unresolved.