Uzodimma Insists on APC Ticket, Endorses Party Candidates Ahead of Elections

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has insisted that he will retain the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Imo West, despite a recent Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise former governor Rochas Okorocha as the party’s candidate.

Uzodimma made the declaration on Sunday after attending a church service at the Government House Chapel in Owerri, where he urged residents to support the APC in the forthcoming elections.

The governor dismissed suggestions that another person could take over his ticket, saying: “If they tell you that I will hold this ticket and somebody will collect it and give it to another, tell the person it is a lie.”

He also called on residents to campaign for the ruling party, declaring that his political camp would not support any other political platform in the coming elections.

“Go and campaign for the party, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). There is no other political party we are going with,” he said.

Uzodimma further outlined the APC candidates he wants voters to support in the legislative elections, insisting that the party should secure the House of Assembly and House of Representatives seats.

For the Senate, he identified Patrick Ndubueze as the APC candidate for Okigwe Zone, himself for Orlu Zone and Alex Mbata for Owerri Zone.

His comments come days after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to remove Uzodimma as the APC candidate for Imo West Senatorial District and recognise Okorocha instead.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that Okorocha secured the highest number of votes in the APC primary conducted on May 18. The judge faulted INEC for recognising Uzodimma’s nomination despite what he described as documentary evidence that the governor did not win the primary.

Okorocha had filed the suit in August, challenging INEC’s recognition of Uzodimma as the party’s candidate. Following the judgment, the former governor described the ruling as a victory for the people of Imo West and commended the judiciary.

The dispute has also raised constitutional questions about Uzodimma’s bid to contest for the Senate while serving as governor. However, his latest remarks indicate that he remains determined to pursue the APC ticket despite the court ruling.