Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has reacted to the Federal High Court judgment nullifying Governor Hope Uzodimma’s recognition as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Imo West in the 2027 general elections.
Okorocha described the judgment as a major victory for the judiciary, democracy and the Nigerian Constitution, expressing confidence that the ruling would strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
The former governor had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the APC’s decision to recognise Uzodimma as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District.
In his suit, Okorocha sought a declaration that he was the authentic winner of the party’s senatorial primary. He also questioned the constitutional propriety of Uzodimma contesting the 2027 senatorial election while still serving as governor, with his tenure expected to end in January 2028.
What The Court Decided
In its judgment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu nullified Uzodimma’s recognition as the APC senatorial candidate for Imo West in the 2027 elections.
The court held that Uzodimma did not win the party’s senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, and declared Okorocha the lawful winner of the exercise monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The judge subsequently directed the APC to submit Okorocha’s name to INEC as its candidate and restrained Uzodimma from presenting himself as the party’s senatorial flagbearer for the January 16, 2027 election.
The ruling represents a significant development in the political contest for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okorocha Speaks, Thanks Tinubu
Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemodo, Okorocha described the judgment as a landmark decision with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as providing an enabling environment for the judiciary and other institutions to function effectively in the interest of national development.
Okorocha also commended the APC leadership for allowing party members to pursue their political aspirations and exercise their constitutional rights.
The former governor further thanked the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Imo West Senatorial District, for their prayers, moral support and celebrations following the court ruling.
Why Okorocha Also Mentioned Uzodimma
In a notable part of his reaction, Okorocha acknowledged Uzodimma’s involvement in the court proceedings, commending him for being among the respondents in the case.
He described the outcome as a historic judgment and expressed gratitude to God for what he considered a victory.
According to Okorocha, the ruling went beyond his personal political ambition, representing a triumph for those who believe in justice, constitutional order and democratic principles.
“This judgment, to say the least, is a resounding victory for the nation’s judiciary. It is a victory for the nation’s fast-growing democracy. It is an outstanding victory for the nation’s Constitution, as amended,” he said.
He added that the judgment was a victory for people who stand for what is right, as well as for posterity and history.
“Finally, it is a victory for Imo people in general, and Imo West Senatorial District people in particular,” Okorocha stated.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the court’s decision has added a fresh dimension to the political contest in Imo West, placing the spotlight on the APC’s next steps and the implementation of the judgment.
Discover more from NATIONAL BEAM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
