In a significant ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja has declared former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for the Imo West Senatorial District, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially recognize Okorocha as the party's candidate.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Okorocha, which contested the APC's earlier recognition of the incumbent governor, Hope Uzodimma, as the candidate for the upcoming senatorial election scheduled for January 16, 2027. Justice Egwuatu ruled that the evidence presented during the court proceedings clearly demonstrated that Okorocha had won the APC primary election held on May 18, 2026.

The court's decision mandates the APC to submit Okorocha's name to INEC, effectively sidelining Uzodimma from the party's candidacy. This ruling is pivotal as it overturns INEC's official results, which had previously declared Uzodimma the winner of the primary with 230,464 votes, while Okorocha received only 1,098 votes.

The legal battle stemmed from conflicting claims regarding the primary election results, with Okorocha challenging the legitimacy of Uzodimma's candidacy. His suit raised questions about the governor's eligibility to contest the senatorial election while still holding office, adding another layer to the ongoing political drama within the APC.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of this ruling could significantly impact the political landscape in Imo State, especially as the 2027 elections approach. Observers are keenly watching how the APC will respond to the court's directive and what this means for Uzodimma's political future.