Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has praised President Bola Tinubu over a court judgment concerning the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Imo West, describing the development as a significant moment for the state.
Okorocha’s remarks followed a reported ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as the APC’s candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former governor expressed satisfaction with the judgment, presenting it as a step towards addressing what he described as longstanding political challenges in Imo State.
According to Okorocha, the development represents an opportunity for the people of the state to move beyond political disagreements and embrace a process that respects the rule of law.
Okorocha Commends Tinubu
In his reaction, Okorocha credited Tinubu with creating an environment in which the judiciary could perform its constitutional responsibilities without interference.
The former governor’s statement reflected his position that the court’s decision was an important development in the dispute over the APC’s senatorial ticket.
The expression, “Tinubu has broken Imo’s shackles,” was used to convey Okorocha’s view of the political significance of the judgment.
However, the court’s decision remains a judicial determination concerning the disputed party nomination, while Okorocha’s description of its broader political implications represents his personal assessment.
Background to the Court Judgment
The dispute arose from the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, to select the party’s candidate for Imo West.
Okorocha challenged the outcome of the exercise, disputing the declaration that favoured Governor Hope Uzodimma. He subsequently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking judicial intervention over the nomination process and INEC’s recognition of the candidate.
The reported judgment favoured Okorocha and directed the electoral commission to recognise him as the party’s nominee for the district.
The dispute attracted attention because of the political positions held by the two men and its implications for the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
Implications for the APC
The ruling places the APC’s nomination process in the spotlight and raises questions about the steps the party and INEC must take to implement the court’s directives.
It also highlights the role of the judiciary in resolving disagreements over party primaries and determining whether electoral procedures have complied with applicable laws.
The development could have implications for the party’s preparations in Imo West, although any further legal proceedings or subsequent orders would need to be considered in assessing the final position.
For Okorocha, the judgment represents a legal victory in his effort to secure recognition as the party’s candidate.
Call for Respect for the Rule of Law
The dispute has also renewed attention to the importance of transparent party primaries and compliance with judicial decisions.
Political parties are expected to conduct their nomination exercises in accordance with their constitutions and the relevant electoral laws, while electoral authorities must discharge their responsibilities within the framework established by law.
The case illustrates how disagreements over primary election results can proceed to the courts when parties cannot resolve them through internal mechanisms.
Conclusion
Okorocha’s praise for Tinubu following the reported court judgment has added a political dimension to the dispute over the APC’s Imo West senatorial ticket.
While the former governor views the development as a turning point for Imo State, the immediate legal issue concerns the validity of the party’s nomination process and the implementation of the court’s directives.
Attention will now focus on the responses of the APC, INEC and the affected parties as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.