By Our Correspondent

A dramatic twist has reportedly shaken the political landscape in Imo State as the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Governor Hope Uzodinma to stop presenting himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a ruling reportedly delivered on Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that Uzodinma did not emerge victorious in the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Instead, the court reportedly declared that evidence before it showed that former governor Rochas Okorocha won the majority of votes cast during the exercise.

The development, if confirmed, could significantly alter the political equation in Imo West and set the stage for another round of high-stakes political manoeuvring within the APC.

THE BIG DECISION: APC Ordered To Present Okorocha

In what could prove to be the most consequential part of the ruling, Justice Egwuatu reportedly directed the APC to submit Okorocha’s name to INEC as its lawful candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

INEC was also reportedly ordered to accept Okorocha’s nomination and publish his name as the party’s candidate.

Court Raises Alarm Over Nomination Documents

The controversy took another turn when the judge reportedly found that several documents relied upon in Uzodinma’s nomination were fabricated, allegedly in violation of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The reported findings raise serious questions about the nomination process and could intensify political tensions surrounding the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

Uzodinma, whose tenure as Imo State governor is expected to end on January 14, 2028, now faces renewed attention over the reported court decision.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Will the APC comply with the reported directives? How will INEC respond? And what will the development mean for the political rivalry surrounding the Imo West senatorial seat?

These are the questions likely to dominate political discussions if the ruling is confirmed.

More details to follow.