Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo State, has described Thursday’s judgment by a federal high court on the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary in Imo West as a victory for the judiciary, democracy and the Nigerian constitution.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge, held that the evidence before the court shows that Uzodimma did not win the APC Imo west senatorial district primary
The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish the name of former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
Okorocha had sued the ruling All Progressives Congress, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and others, seeking a declaration that he was the authentic party candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.
The APC had declared Uzodimma the winner of the senatorial primary, with 230,464 votes, a decision Okorocha challenged at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In the suit, Okorocha also asked the court to determine whether it was constitutional for Uzodimma to contest the 2027 senatorial election while still serving as governor, whose tenure is expected to end in January 2028.
Justice Egwuatu declared that Okorocha emerged as the lawful winner of the primary, which was monitored by INEC, and directed the APC to submit his name to the electoral commission as its candidate.
Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemodo, Okorocha described the judgment as a landmark decision.
Okorocha thanked President Bola Tinubu for “providing the enabling environment for the Judiciary and other Institutions to function for the nation’s rapid development and growth.”
He also commended the APC leadership for allowing party members to pursue their legitimate aspirations and constitutional rights.
The former governor expressed gratitude to the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Imo West Senatorial District, for their prayers, moral support and spontaneous celebrations following the judgment.
Okorocha also commended Uzodimma for being among the respondents in the case, describing his involvement in the proceedings as part of a historic judgment.
The former governor further expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a victory.
“This judgment, to say the least, is a resounding victory for the nation’s judiciary. It is a victory for the nation’s fast-growing democracy. It is an outstanding victory for the nation’s Constitution, as amended,” Okorocha said.
He added, “It is a remarkable victory for all lovers of what is right and haters of what is wrong. It is a notable victory for posterity and history. Finally, it is a victory for Imo people in general, and Imo West Senatorial District people in particular.”
