The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has insisted that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its authentic candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, despite a Federal High Court judgment declaring former governor Rochas Okorocha the winner of the party’s primary.
The party rejected the judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2026, describing it as deeply troubling and raising concerns about constitutional compliance, judicial precedents and the evaluation of evidence.
In a statement issued by its state chairman, Austin Onyedebelu, the APC said it would study the judgment and consider appropriate legal steps to defend Uzodimma’s candidacy.
APC Questions Timing of Okorocha’s Suit
The party questioned the timing of Okorocha’s legal action, arguing that it was instituted outside the constitutionally prescribed period for pre-election disputes.
According to the APC, the party’s primary election for the Imo West Senatorial District was held on May 18, 2026, while Okorocha reportedly filed his suit on August 13, 2026.
Citing Section 285(9) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the party maintained that the provision prescribes a 14-day period for instituting pre-election matters within its scope.
It argued that the timing of the suit raised fundamental questions about the court’s jurisdiction and whether the action was filed within the stipulated period.
The APC also expressed concern over what it described as insufficient consideration of disputed documents and the procedures through which the allegations were presented.
Party Disputes Authenticity of Documents
The party further questioned the authenticity and origin of documents reportedly relied upon by Okorocha in the case.
According to the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly told the court that the documents were not in its custody, had not been certified by the commission and bore a stamp and signature it did not recognise as authentic.
The party also maintained that the documents did not originate from its recognised organs and were not in its custody.
It argued that the objections raised by both INEC and the APC required thorough judicial examination, particularly because the dispute concerns the party’s candidate for an entire senatorial district.
The APC also faulted the reported treatment of INEC’s position as an afterthought, insisting that the commission’s objections and the evidence presented by the relevant party directorate deserved transparent consideration.
It questioned the evidentiary basis for the court’s conclusion, given the reported objections from the electoral commission and the political party.
APC Considers Legal Options
The party acknowledged the court’s authority to evaluate evidence but maintained that such powers must be exercised in accordance with the law, the evidence on record and the principles of fair hearing.
It said it would undertake a detailed review of the judgment’s reasoning, findings and conclusions before deciding on the appropriate legal steps.
The APC added that it remained confident in its position and would pursue all lawful avenues available to challenge the outcome.
“Our position remains unchanged: Hope Uzodimma is our authentic candidate,” the party stated, reiterating that the governor emerged as the winner of the APC’s Imo West Senatorial District primary held on May 18, 2026.
The dispute sets up a potential legal battle over who will represent the APC in the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
