Former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, has instituted a legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission over the commission’s recognition of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election in 2027.
In the suit, Okorocha is challenging INEC’s publication of Uzodimma’s name as the winner of the APC senatorial primary, insisting that he emerged victorious at the party’s primary election held on May 18.
Okorocha is asking the court to determine whether INEC was bound by the reports of its officials who monitored the APC primary and whether the subsequent publication of Uzodimma’s name was lawful.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the suit, Okorocha allegedly secured 150,780 votes, while Uzodimma polled 102,158 votes at the primary.
The former governor is seeking several reliefs, including an order setting aside INEC’s publication of Uzodimma’s name as the APC candidate for Imo West.
He is also asking the court to direct INEC to recognise and publish his name as the duly nominated candidate of the APC for the 2027 senatorial election.
In addition, Okorocha wants the court to restrain Uzodimma, either personally or through the APC or any other person, from presenting himself as the party’s nominated candidate for the election.
The suit further raises questions regarding Uzodimma’s eligibility, particularly in view of the constitutional provisions concerning the tenure of a state governor.
Okorocha is also seeking costs against the respondents and any other reliefs the court may deem appropriate.
The legal battle could further intensify the political contest within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections in Imo State.
