JUBILATION IN ORLU AS COURT DECLARES OKOROCHA APC CANDIDATE FOR IMO WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT
Okorocha’s aide hails judgment as victory for democracy, constitution and rule of law
By Anselem Anokwute
Jubilation has reportedly erupted across Imo State, particularly in Orlu Zone, following a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which, according to a press statement issued by Senator Rochas Okorocha’s media office, declared the former governor the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Imo West Senatorial District election.
The statement, signed by Sam Onwuemeodo, Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media to Senator Okorocha, said the court granted the former governor’s reliefs in the suit challenging the outcome of the APC senatorial primary election for Imo West.
According to the statement, the court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enlist Okorocha’s name as the party’s candidate for the senatorial district.
Reacting to the judgment, Okorocha’s media aide described the decision as a significant moment for Nigeria’s judiciary, democratic development and constitutional governance.
He said the reported spontaneous jubilation across Imo State, especially in Orlu Zone, demonstrated the excitement of supporters and residents over the development.
The statement added that the excitement and support expressed by the people would not be taken for granted.
Onwuemeodo described the judgment as a victory for the judiciary, Nigeria’s democracy and the Constitution, as amended.
He stated that the decision underscored the importance of the courts in resolving electoral disputes and protecting the legal rights of citizens.
According to him, the judgment would also be remembered as a significant development in the political history of Imo State, particularly in Imo West Senatorial District.
He maintained that the judiciary remained the last hope of the common man and, indeed, all citizens seeking justice through lawful means.
The statement explained that Okorocha had approached the court to determine who emerged as the valid winner of the APC primary election for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It further stated that the former governor had raised constitutional questions concerning Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reported interest in contesting the senatorial election while serving as the elected Governor of Imo State.
According to Onwuemeodo, the court also addressed the question of whether Governor Uzodimma could contest for the senatorial seat, described in the statement as another paid public office, when his tenure as governor was expected to end in January 2028.
The media aide said the court’s decision on the issues formed part of the reasons his principal considered the judgment significant.
However, the specific legal findings and orders on these questions could not be independently established from the press statement alone.
The statement expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing what it described as an enabling environment for the judiciary and other institutions of government to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
Onwuemeodo also commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress for allowing party members to pursue their legitimate interests and constitutional rights through lawful channels.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Imo West Senatorial District, for their prayers, moral support and encouragement throughout the legal proceedings.
The statement equally acknowledged Governor Hope Uzodimma, who it identified as one of the respondents in the case, for his involvement in the legal process that culminated in the judgment.
Concluding the statement, Onwuemeodo attributed the development to the grace of God Almighty, whom he said deserved all the glory and honour associated with the outcome.
He reiterated his principal’s appreciation to supporters and well-wishers, expressing optimism that the judgment would contribute to the advancement of constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The statement was signed by Sam Onwuemeodo, Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media to His Excellency, Senator Rochas Okorocha, and dated October 29, 2026.
