A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, from presenting himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District.
The presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, issued the order following a legal challenge over the outcome of the party’s senatorial primary election held on May 18.
The court reportedly held that former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, secured the majority of valid votes cast during the primary monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Egwuatu consequently ordered the APC to forward Okorocha’s name to INEC as the party’s candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District.
The dispute centred on the validity of the primary election and the declaration of Uzodimma as the party’s candidate for the senatorial seat.
The ruling marks a significant development in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, given Uzodimma’s position as Imo State governor and a prominent figure in the party.
The governor and the APC may challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal. However, any appeal or application for a stay of execution would need to be confirmed through official court records or statements from the parties involved.
The legal battle is expected to have implications for the party’s candidate selection process in Imo West ahead of the elections.
