Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has instituted a legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the recognition and publication of Governor Hope Uzodinma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the suit filed by his counsel, O.J. Aboje, Okorocha is asking the court to nullify the publication of Uzodinma’s name by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and instead declare him the validly nominated standard-bearer of the party.
The former senator contends that he won the APC direct primary conducted on May 18, 2026, and that Uzodinma’s declared victory contradicts the outcome monitored by commission officials.
Okorocha is challenging the constitutional eligibility of the sitting governor to run for legislative office while in executive power.
Basing his argument on Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the suit questions whether Uzodinma can legitimately stand as a candidate given that his second term as governor runs through January 14, 2028 well after the next Senate is due to be inaugurated.
According to an affidavit deposed by Okorocha’s Personal Assistant on Political Matters, Amen Rochas, the primary results monitored by electoral officers showed Okorocha securing 150,780 votes against Uzodinma’s 102,158 votes.
The deponent argued that despite these figures and constitutional constraints, Uzodinma procured nomination forms and was unlawfully forwarded as the winner.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026, seeks an order of the court compelling INEC to publish Okorocha’s name on the ballot, alongside an injunction restraining Uzodinma and the APC from presenting the governor as the party’s senatorial candidate.
The matter is currently pending determination before the Federal High Court.