Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has described a Federal High Court judgment recognising him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) 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 creating an enabling environment for the Judiciary and other institutions to function effectively.
The former governor spoke after Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, nullified the recognition of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the APC senatorial candidate and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Okorocha’s name.
Describing the judgment as a landmark decision, Okorocha said it represented a significant victory for the judiciary, Nigeria’s democracy and the Constitution.
He also commended the APC leadership for allowing members to pursue their legitimate political aspirations and constitutional rights.
Okorocha expressed appreciation to the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Imo West Senatorial District, for their prayers, moral support and celebrations following the judgment.
He further acknowledged Governor Uzodimma, who was among the respondents in the suit, while expressing gratitude to God for what he described as a victory.
Former APC National Chairman and ex-Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, also visited Okorocha to celebrate the court decision.
Ganduje, who described Okorocha as a friend, brother and colleague, said he was delighted by the judgment and had come to share in the former governor’s joy.
However, the APC in Imo State has maintained that Governor Uzodimma remains its candidate for the senatorial district despite the court ruling.
The party urged its members and supporters to remain focused and committed to securing victories across the state’s constituencies.
In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu held that Uzodimma did not win the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, and restrained him from parading himself as the party’s candidate for the January 16, 2027 election.
The court declared Okorocha the lawful winner of the primary, which was monitored by INEC, and directed the APC to submit his name to the electoral commission.
Justice Egwuatu ruled that Uzodimma’s nomination violated Sections 29 and 32 of the Electoral Act and failed to comply with the party’s guidelines for conducting primary elections.
