Former Imo State Governor and Senator Rochas Okorocha has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the publication of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election in 2027.
According to Channels Television, Okorocha is challenging INEC’s decision to recognise Uzodimma as the winner of the APC senatorial primary.
Okorocha, a two-term former governor of Imo State, asked the court to determine whether INEC was bound by reports from its officials who monitored the APC primary conducted on May 18.
He claims the reports showed that he won the primary after scoring 150,780 votes, while Uzodimma polled 102,158 votes.
The former governor is also challenging the publication of Uzodimma’s name by INEC, arguing that it was wrongful because, according to his suit, Uzodimma did not emerge as the winner of the May 18 primary.
Okorocha is seeking 10 reliefs from the court, including an order setting aside INEC’s publication naming Uzodimma as the APC candidate.
He is also asking the court to direct INEC to recognise and publish his name as the duly nominated APC candidate for the Imo West senatorial election.
In addition, Okorocha wants an order preventing Uzodimma, the APC or any other person from presenting him as the party’s nominated candidate for the election.
The suit also raises questions over Uzodimma’s eligibility in relation to his tenure as governor. An affidavit filed in support of the case states that Uzodimma’s current tenure is expected to end at midnight on January 14, 2028, having been sworn in for his second term on January 15, 2024.
The affidavit, deposed to by Amen Rochas, identified as Okorocha’s biological son and personal assistant on political matters, stated that Okorocha is a registered and financial member of the APC.
The case places the APC’s Imo West senatorial ticket under further legal scrutiny ahead of the 2027 general election.
