Former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its publication of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election in 2027.
Okorocha, a two-term former governor of the state, is challenging the decision, arguing that he emerged as the winner of the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18.
The former governor has asked the court to determine whether INEC was bound by the reports submitted by its officials who monitored the APC primary and whether the commission acted lawfully by publishing Uzodimma as the winner.
He also questioned the legality of INEC’s publication of Uzodimma’s name in light of Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which concerns the tenure of state governors.
Okorocha is seeking 10 reliefs from the court if the questions are determined in his favour.
Among other things, he wants the court to declare that INEC acted unconstitutionally by publishing Uzodimma as the APC candidate when, according to him, he was not the winner of the May 18 primary.
He is also asking the court to set aside the publication by INEC declaring Uzodimma the winner of the APC primary and direct the commission to recognise and publish his name as the party’s duly nominated candidate for the 2027 Imo West senatorial election.
Okorocha further wants an order preventing Uzodimma, whether personally or through the APC or any other person, from presenting himself as the party’s candidate for the election.
He is also seeking costs against the respondents as the court may consider appropriate.
Okorocha Challenges Primary Result
In an affidavit attached to the suit, Amen Rochas, identified as Okorocha’s son and Personal Assistant on Political Matters, said he was familiar with the circumstances surrounding the case.
He stated that Okorocha, born on September 22, 1962, is a registered and financial card-carrying member of the APC.
The affidavit also stated that Uzodimma’s current tenure as governor is expected to end at midnight on January 14, 2028, having been sworn in for his second term on January 15, 2024.
It further alleged that Uzodimma purchased the Expression of Interest and nomination forms to contest the APC senatorial ticket and was screened alongside other aspirants.
According to the affidavit, the APC National Working Committee directed that the results of the direct primary be forwarded to the party’s national secretariat for announcement.
Okorocha’s camp alleged that the direct primary was conducted on May 18, with Okorocha emerging victorious with 150,780 votes, while Uzodimma scored 102,158 votes.
The suit therefore seeks to overturn INEC’s recognition of Uzodimma and have Okorocha recognised as the APC candidate for Imo West in the 2027 election.
Source: Court filing / News Agency report
