Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the publication of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 election.
Uzodimma and the APC are also listed as respondents in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026.
According to NAN, the originating summons was filed on August 13, 2026, by Okorocha’s counsel, O.J. Aboje.
Okorocha, who was governor of Imo State between 2011 and 2019 and later represented Imo West in the Senate from 2019 to 2023, contested the APC senatorial ticket against Uzodimma during the party’s primary held in May.
The party’s national assembly primary election committee, chaired by Williams Kayode, declared Uzodimma the winner with 230,464 votes.
Okorocha Challenges INEC’s Publication
In the suit, Okorocha is asking the court to determine whether INEC was bound by the reports of its officials who monitored the APC primary conducted on May 18.
He also questioned the legality of INEC’s publication of Uzodimma’s name as the winner of the primary.
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Okorocha relied on Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that a governor shall not, while holding office, occupy another executive office or paid employment in any capacity.
He argued that it was unconstitutional for INEC to publish Uzodimma’s name as the APC senatorial candidate.
Seeks Recognition as APC Candidate
Okorocha is asking the court to set aside the publication recognising Uzodimma as the winner of the primary.
He also wants an order directing INEC to recognise and publish his name as the duly nominated APC candidate for the Imo West senatorial election.
The former governor further asked the court to restrain Uzodimma, the APC or any other person from presenting him as the party’s nominated candidate for the election.
Okorocha Claims Victory
In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, Amen Rochas, son of the former governor, alleged that the APC conducted a direct primary on May 18 and that his father won the contest with 150,780 votes.
He claimed Uzodimma scored 102,158 votes.
The suit also raised questions about Uzodimma’s eligibility to contest the senatorial election while still serving as governor, considering that his tenure is expected to end in January 2028.
The 11th Senate is scheduled to be inaugurated in June 2027, months before the expiration of Uzodimma’s tenure as governor.
The development has therefore raised questions over whether Uzodimma would have to leave office as governor if he wins the senatorial election.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.