Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has recorded a commanding victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Imo West (Orlu Zone), defeating former governor Rochas Okorocha in a decisive contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Uzodimma secured an overwhelming 230,464 votes in the Option A4 primary conducted across the zone, while Okorocha managed just 1,098 votes in the exercise held on Monday.
The exercise, which covered all 12 local government areas in Orlu Zone, was supervised by the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Imo State and concluded with Uzodimma emerging in a sweeping landslide.
The result was formally announced at the collation centre in Orlu Local Government Area by the committee chairman and returning officer, Rear Admiral Williams Kayode (retd.), who confirmed Uzodimma’s dominance across the entire district.
According to the returning officer, the governor maintained a consistent lead in all participating local councils, reflecting what party officials described as a strong grassroots endorsement of his candidacy.
While Uzodimma and Okorocha went head-to-head in Orlu Zone, other parts of the state followed a different pattern, as consensus arrangements shaped the outcome in several senatorial districts.
In Imo North and Imo East, aspirants reportedly stepped down in favour of consensus candidates, with Senator Patrick Ndubueze and Alex Mbata emerging unopposed following internal party agreements.
The APC said the consensus process helped streamline the primaries in those zones and reduce internal tensions ahead of the general election.
However, Orlu Zone remained competitive after Okorocha insisted on contesting against the sitting governor, setting the stage for a direct electoral showdown within the party.
In a statement issued by APC Publicity Secretary Onwuasoanya Jones, the party described the primaries as largely peaceful and praised members who withdrew from contests in the interest of unity.
The statement noted that several aspirants stepped down voluntarily before voting commenced, a move the party said contributed to a smoother process across the state.
“These party members who withdrew from the race, without any form of compulsion or intimidation, are the real winners and heroes of this contest,” the statement read.
The party also commended officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and party members who participated in ensuring the conduct of the exercise.
It added that collation of results from other senatorial districts was ongoing at designated centres across the state.
Uzodimma’s victory further strengthens his political influence within the APC in Imo State, positioning him as a dominant figure ahead of the 2027 elections, even as the party continues final collation processes in other zones.
