Rochas Okorocha, the former governor of Imo State, has urged current Governor Hope Uzodimma to refrain from derogatory remarks about judges following a recent court ruling that declared him the legitimate candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 senatorial election for Imo West. Okorocha made this statement at the Federal High Court in Abuja after filing necessary documents related to the ongoing legal battle over the senatorial ticket.

In his comments, Okorocha expressed concern over what he termed unwarranted attacks on the judiciary by Uzodimma’s aides. He specifically referenced remarks made by Uzodimma's Deputy Chief of Staff and the National Vice Chairman of the APC, who publicly criticized a judge's decision, labeling it as “rubbish” and suggesting that the judge should reflect on their actions. Okorocha condemned these statements, stating that they reflect poorly on the state and urged Uzodimma to counsel his supporters against such behavior.

Okorocha emphasized the importance of respecting judicial decisions, regardless of their outcomes. He remarked, “Whenever the judgment is for Hope, it is good, but whenever it is against him, the Judiciary is evil.” He called on Uzodimma to focus on the legal process and to utilize his right to appeal, potentially up to the Supreme Court, rather than resorting to attacks on the judiciary.

The backdrop to Okorocha's comments stems from a recent ruling by the Federal High Court, which nullified Uzodimma's candidacy for the APC in the upcoming senatorial election. The court determined that evidence presented indicated Uzodimma was not the rightful winner of the primary election held on May 18, which was overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Instead, Okorocha was found to have received the highest number of votes, leading the court to order INEC to recognize him as the official candidate for the APC.

Okorocha challenged Uzodimma to publicly address the allegations he has made regarding the court's judgment rather than attacking the judiciary. He stated, “If you think any of the things I am saying is not true and that the judgment is not true, Hope should come on television or come and speak.” He further accused Uzodimma of submitting forged documents during the court proceedings, asserting that the inconsistencies in the evidence left the judge with no choice but to rule in his favor.

In closing, Okorocha expressed his respect for the judiciary, stating, “I salute the Nigerian Judiciary, honestly. Whatever you might say, they’re still very good. And I believe that the right thing should be done.” The political tension between the two leaders continues to escalate as they prepare for the upcoming election, with legal battles likely to shape the political landscape in Imo State in the months to come.