2027: Okorocha Takes INEC to Court Over Uzodimma’s Imo West Senate Bid

Former Imo State Governor and Senator Rochas Okorocha has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over the decision to recognise Governor Hope Uzodimma as the APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election in 2027.

Okorocha is challenging the publication of Uzodimma’s name, insisting that he won the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18.

Okorocha Challenges Primary Result

In the suit, the former governor is asking the court to determine whether INEC was bound by the reports of its officials who monitored the APC primary and whether the commission acted lawfully by recognising Uzodimma as the party’s candidate.

Okorocha also questioned the legality of INEC’s publication of Uzodimma’s name, citing constitutional provisions governing eligibility for the senatorial contest.

He is seeking several declarations and orders, including an order nullifying the publication of Uzodimma’s name as the APC candidate for Imo West.

Seeks Recognition As APC Candidate

If the court rules in his favour, Okorocha wants INEC directed to recognise and publish his name as the duly nominated APC candidate for the 2027 election.

He is also asking the court to stop Uzodimma from presenting himself, directly or through the APC, as the party’s candidate for the senatorial district.

Okorocha further requested that the court award costs against the respondents.

Disputed Primary Election

According to the affidavit filed alongside the suit, Okorocha participated in the APC direct primary conducted on May 18.

The affidavit claims that Okorocha secured 150,780 votes, while Uzodimma received 102,158 votes, making Okorocha the alleged winner of the contest.

The suit further argues that Uzodimma’s tenure as Imo State governor will run until January 14, 2028, raising questions over his eligibility to contest the senatorial election scheduled for 2027.

The legal challenge now places the dispute over the APC’s Imo West ticket before the courts, with the outcome potentially determining which of the two prominent Imo politicians will appear on the ballot for the senatorial contest.