A constitutional crisis has hit the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the Federal High Court judgment sacking Governor Hope Uzodinma as the party's candidate for Imo West Senatorial District.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Thursday nullified Uzodinma's candidacy for the January 16, 2027 election, declaring former Governor Rochas Okorocha as the authentic winner of the May 18, 2026 primary monitored by INEC. The judge held that the nomination of Uzodinma breached Sections 29 and 32 of the Electoral Act and described documents tendered by APC as "clearly fabricated."
Reacting to the judgment, the Imo APC leadership rejected the court order, insisting that Governor Uzodinma remains the party's senatorial candidate for Imo West.
The party also warned former Governor Okorocha against premature celebration, stating that the judgment will be challenged at the Court of Appeal.
The court had ordered INEC to remove Uzodinma's name and publish Okorocha's name as the lawful APC candidate for the senatorial district.
At press time, INEC is yet to comply with the order restoring Okorocha's name.
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