Okorocha’s Lawyer Reacts to Court Judgment Removing Uzodimma as APC Candidate for Imo West

Counsel to former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, O.J. Aboje, has welcomed the Federal High Court judgment in Abuja recognising his client as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Imo West.

The court, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, on Thursday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Okorocha’s name as the party’s authentic candidate for the January 16, 2027 senatorial election.

The judgment also restrained incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma from presenting himself as the APC’s candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District seat. The court held that Uzodimma did not win the party’s primary election conducted on May 18, 2026.

Reacting to the ruling while addressing journalists at the court premises, Aboje expressed satisfaction with the outcome, maintaining that Okorocha legitimately won the party’s primary election.

According to the lawyer, the APC wrongly forwarded Uzodimma’s name to INEC despite his client emerging as the winner of the primary.

“The court was convinced that the primary election was won by Rochas Okorocha but most unfortunately, APC forwarded the name of the wrong person. Someone who does not win in the election,” Aboje said.

He added that the court had determined that the party could not submit the name of a candidate who did not win the primary, insisting that the ruling affirmed Okorocha’s position.

“Okorocha won the election and the court has ordered his name to be published. We give God the glory and we congratulate Rochas Okorocha and the people of his zone,” he said.

The judgment marks a significant development in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general election in Imo West. However, the party’s response and any further legal steps could shape the next phase of the senatorial candidacy dispute.