By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment declaring former Governor Rochas Okorocha the winner of the party’s senatorial primary for Imo West, insisting that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The party’s State Chairman, Austin Onyedebelu, stated this in a statement reacting to the judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu in Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Describing the ruling as “deeply troubling”, the APC raised concerns over its constitutional implications, judicial precedents and the court’s handling of evidence presented during the proceedings.
The party argued that Okorocha instituted his case outside the 14-day limitation period stipulated under Section 285(9) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
According to the APC, the party’s senatorial primary was conducted on May 18, 2026, while Okorocha reportedly filed his suit on August 13, 2026.
It maintained that the timing of the suit raised fundamental questions about the court’s jurisdiction, particularly in a dispute seeking judicial recognition as the winner of a party primary.
The APC also challenged the authenticity of documents tendered by Okorocha, claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disowned them during the proceedings.
According to the party, INEC told the court that the documents were not in its custody, had not been certified by the commission and contained a stamp and signature it did not recognise.
It further argued that the documents did not originate from the party’s recognised organs and were not in its custody.
“These objections raise questions that cannot be brushed aside lightly,” the party stated.
The APC also faulted the court’s reported description of INEC’s position as an afterthought, insisting that the concerns surrounding the disputed documents required thorough judicial examination.
It maintained that the court should have adequately addressed the objections and explained the basis for its conclusions.
Despite the judgment, the party reaffirmed its support for Uzodimma, maintaining that he remains its candidate for the Imo West senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.
