A Federal High Court in Abuja has disqualified Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma from representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Imo West Senatorial election, directing the party to recognise former governor Rochas Okorocha as its candidate.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday, October 29, 2026, ruling that Uzodimma did not win the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court held that Okorocha secured the majority of votes cast during the primary and ordered the APC to submit his name to INEC as its candidate for the January 16, 2027 election.
It also directed INEC to publish Okorocha’s name as the party’s flag bearer and ordered Uzodimma to immediately stop presenting himself as the APC candidate for the district.
Court ruling raises questions about Uzodimma’s Senate ambition
The judgment represents a major setback for Uzodimma’s reported ambition to enter the Senate and potentially contest for the Senate presidency in the 12th National Assembly.
The Senate president is elected by members of the National Assembly at its inauguration. However, securing a senatorial seat would be a necessary first step for Uzodimma to pursue the position.
His reported plan to move from the Imo governorship to the Senate has also attracted political attention because his current tenure is expected to end in January 2028.
The court’s decision therefore introduces uncertainty into his political plans ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC rejects court decision
Following the judgment, the Imo State chapter of the APC rejected the ruling and maintained that Uzodimma remained its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District.
The party said it would review the judgment and allow its legal department to determine the appropriate next steps.
It also maintained that Uzodimma won the party’s primary with the support of the majority of its members.
The development suggests that the dispute may continue through the courts, with Uzodimma having the option of challenging the Federal High Court’s decision at the Court of Appeal.
Okorocha’s return to the Senate race
Okorocha, who governed Imo State between 2011 and 2019, previously represented Imo West in the Senate from 2019 to 2023.
His attempt to return to the National Assembly has been complicated by his political rivalry with Uzodimma, who succeeded him as governor in January 2020.
By affirming Okorocha’s victory in the APC primary, the Federal High Court has placed him in a stronger position to contest the senatorial seat under the party’s platform, subject to any further legal developments.
The outcome of a possible appeal will determine whether Okorocha retains the APC ticket or Uzodimma can reclaim his position as the party’s candidate.
