SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Court Recognises Okorocha as APC Candidate for Imo West, Orders INEC to Accept His Nomination
Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has commended President Bola Tinubu following a Federal High Court judgment recognizing him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.
Okorocha described the ruling as a victory for the people of Imo State, declaring that the political shackles holding the state had finally been broken.
He made the remarks on Thursday while hosting members of his legal team after the judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court ruled that Okorocha won the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, and directed the party to forward his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate. It also ordered Governor Hope Uzodimma to stop presenting himself as the party’s candidate for the senatorial district.
Reacting, Okorocha expressed appreciation to the judiciary for upholding justice, saying the outcome represented a significant moment for the people of Imo State.
He also made a symbolic reference to the shackle on President Tinubu’s traditional cap, suggesting that the court decision demonstrated the president’s displeasure with the political situation in Imo State.
Although Okorocha thanked Tinubu, he provided no evidence that the president directly intervened in the legal dispute or influenced the court’s decision.
The judgment followed a prolonged disagreement over the APC senatorial primary, with INEC previously maintaining that its official records recognized Uzodimma as the winner with 230,464 votes against Okorocha’s 1,098 votes.
The electoral commission had also petitioned security agencies over a disputed document circulating online, which allegedly identified Okorocha as the primary winner.
The former governor questioned inconsistencies in the documents presented during the controversy, particularly discrepancies involving the primary election date and claims that Uzodimma emerged through consensus.
The latest ruling represents a major development in the political contest for the Imo West senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
SNOW TV EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
The court judgment is a significant political setback for Governor Uzodimma’s camp and a major boost for Okorocha’s political ambitions.
However, the controversy highlights the persistent internal divisions within the APC in Imo State. Such disagreements risk weakening party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Okorocha has interpreted the judgment as a victory for Imo people, the real test will be whether the ruling leads to reconciliation within the party or creates another round of political confrontation. Ultimately, respect for judicial decisions and transparent party processes will be essential to strengthening democratic confidence.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
