UPDATE: APC Maintains Uzodimma as Imo West Candidate Despite Court Ruling

SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has reaffirmed Governor Hope Uzodimma as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections, despite a Federal High Court judgment recognizing former governor Rochas Okorocha as the party’s lawful flagbearer.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya Jones, said Uzodimma remained the APC candidate because he won the party’s senatorial primary with overwhelming support from members.

The statement followed a ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish Okorocha’s name as the APC candidate. The court also ordered Uzodimma to stop presenting himself as the party’s candidate for the January 16, 2027 election.

The APC, however, said its legal department would review the judgment and determine the appropriate course of action. It also urged party members and supporters to remain united and focused on securing victories across the state in the forthcoming elections.

The dispute arose from the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026. According to results recognized by INEC, Uzodimma won with 230,464 votes, while Okorocha received 1,098 votes.

Okorocha subsequently challenged the outcome in court, contesting Uzodimma’s recognition as the party’s candidate. In its judgment, the court ruled that Okorocha was the lawful winner of the primary and ordered the APC to submit his name to INEC. It also questioned inconsistencies in documents presented by the party in support of Uzodimma’s nomination.

The APC’s latest position signals that the dispute may continue as the party considers its legal options.

SNOW TV EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
The APC’s insistence on Uzodimma’s candidacy, despite the court ruling, highlights the tension between internal party decisions and judicial authority. While the party maintains that Uzodimma won the primary convincingly, the court’s judgment raises questions about the legality of the nomination process and the documents supporting it.

The party’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether the dispute is resolved through further legal proceedings or escalates into a deeper internal crisis. Prolonged uncertainty could weaken party unity and complicate preparations for the 2027 elections. Ultimately, compliance with the law, transparent internal procedures, and respect for judicial decisions will be essential to restoring confidence in the nomination process.