A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dealt a major political blow to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, ordering him to stop parading himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday after ruling that Uzodinma did not win the APC senatorial primary election conducted on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In his judgment, the judge held that evidence presented before the court established that former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha secured the majority of lawful votes cast during the primary.

Consequently, the court ordered the APC to submit Okorocha’s name to INEC as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election in the 2027 general elections.

The judge also directed INEC to publish Okorocha’s name as the party’s candidate for the contest.

The ruling represents a significant development in the political battle over the APC ticket for Imo West, with the court’s decision placing Okorocha in line to contest the senatorial seat under the party’s platform.

Further details of the judgment were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.