A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the emergence of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The court, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, ruled on Thursday that evidence before it established that Uzodimma was not the valid winner of the APC senatorial primary conducted in the district on May 18.

The primary election was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the court, former Imo State Governor and Senator representing Imo West, Rochas Okorocha, secured the highest number of votes cast during the exercise and was therefore entitled to the party's ticket.

Consequently, Justice Egwuatu ordered INEC to immediately recognise Okorocha as the authentic APC candidate for the forthcoming senatorial election and publish his name accordingly.

The court also restrained Uzodimma from parading himself as the APC's candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.

The ruling represents a major development in the political contest for the senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the court's directives placing Okorocha in line for the APC ticket, subject to any further legal developments.