APC Imo State Reaffirms Uzodimma as Authentic Candidate After Court Ruling

Introduction

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Imo State chapter has reaffirmed that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains its authentic candidate for the 2027 Imo West Senatorial District election, despite a recent court ruling that favoured a rival aspirant. The party’s position underscores its commitment to the primary election outcome and the will of its members.

What Happened

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, delivered a judgment on October 29, 2026, declaring former governor Rochas Okorocha the winner of the APC primary for the Imo West Senatorial District. The APC Imo State chapter, through its chairman Austin Onyedebelu, rejected the ruling, arguing it was filed outside the 14-day constitutional window for pre-election matters and failed to adequately address disputes over document authenticity.

Why This Matters

The court’s decision raises fundamental questions about constitutional compliance, evidence evaluation, and the integrity of pre-election disputes. With the primary held on May 18, 2026, and the legal challenge filed on August 13, 2026—well after the 14-day period prescribed by Section 285(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)—the APC argues the judgment ignores established timelines. The party also highlights that both the Independent National Electoral Commission and the APC itself disputed the authenticity of key documents central to the case, yet the court proceeded without sufficiently resolving those objections.

Key Takeaways

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• The APC maintains that Hope Uzodimma is its authentic candidate for Imo West.
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• The court’s ruling was issued outside the constitutional 14-day period for pre-election matters.
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• Both INEC and the APC contested the validity of documents central to the case.
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• The party vows to pursue lawful remedies while defending its candidate’s legitimacy.
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• The outcome could influence voter confidence and the broader 2027 election landscape in Imo State.
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Conclusion

Despite the recent court judgment favouring a different aspirant, the APC Imo State chapter stands firm in its assertion that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains the authentic candidate for the 2027 Imo West Senatorial race. The party says it will carefully analyse the ruling and explore all legal avenues to protect its position, emphasizing that the integrity of the primary process and constitutional timelines remain central to the dispute.