*Breaking: Court Sacks Uzodimma as APC Senatorial Candidate, Orders INEC to Recognise Okorocha*

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Imo West and recognise former governor Rochas Okorocha as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday, October 29, 2026, ruling that the evidence presented before the court showed that Okorocha secured the majority of votes cast during the APC senatorial primary held on May 18.

The court consequently directed the APC to submit Okorocha’s name to INEC as its duly nominated candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.

The judgment represents a significant development in the political contest between Uzodimma and his predecessor, who had challenged the governor’s emergence as the party’s candidate.

Okorocha Challenged Uzodimma’s Emergence

The legal battle followed a suit filed by Okorocha against INEC, Uzodimma and the APC, challenging the electoral commission’s decision to publish the sitting governor’s name as the party’s candidate.

Okorocha had argued that he won the May 18 primary and asked the court to set aside INEC’s recognition of Uzodimma. He also sought an order restraining the governor from presenting himself as the party’s candidate for the senatorial election.

Uzodimma and the APC opposed the suit, arguing that it was filed outside the constitutionally prescribed timeframe. INEC also disputed Okorocha’s claims regarding the outcome of the primary. SINL Nigeria

Major Setback Ahead of 2027

The ruling could reshape the APC’s political calculations in Imo West ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as the two prominent politicians have been embroiled in a dispute over the party’s senatorial ticket.

The development also raises questions about the next steps available to the affected parties, including whether they will pursue further legal action.

As the 2027 general elections approach, attention will now turn to the implementation of the court’s order and its implications for the APC’s candidate selection process in Imo State.