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Former Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Chris Okewulonu, has faulted the Federal High Court judgment invalidating Governor Hope Uzodimma’s candidature as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Imo West, describing the ruling as a temporary setback that will not withstand appellate scrutiny.
In a statement, Okewulonu expressed confidence that the decision would be overturned, insisting the facts do not support declaring former Governor Rochas Okorocha as APC candidate for Orlu Senatorial District. He described the controversy over Okorocha’s purported candidature as a non-issue and urged people of Imo State, particularly in Orlu, not to be distracted.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the case raised serious questions about the judgment, which he said lacked merit.
“It is unfortunate that a kangaroo suit was accommodated by the Federal High Court, which even went further, to the chagrin of Imo people and Nigerians, to attempt clothing it with legitimacy,” he said.
Okewulonu maintained that Uzodimma remains the APC candidate. “As far as the good people of Orlu in particular, and Imo State in general, are concerned, Governor Hope Uzodimma remains the APC candidate for Orlu Senatorial Zone. His candidature remains unshakeable like the Rock of Gibraltar,” he said.
He questioned how Okorocha could be declared winner when he allegedly did not participate in the primary.
“How can a man, who was abroad when the senatorial primaries took place, be said to have won? He never participated in the said primaries. The whole shenanigan embarrasses logic and our sensibilities,” he said
He argued that Nigeria’s political history is replete with judgments later overturned on appeal and expressed belief the Imo West dispute would suffer similar fate.
Describing the ruling as a miscarriage of justice, he said he was optimistic the appellate courts would correct the error.
Okewulonu lamented what he called the growing tendency among politicians to pursue interests through questionable means, warning it could undermine democratic development.
He urged Imo people to remain steadfast in their support for Uzodimma, arguing his record in public service places him in a strong position to represent the state at the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Renewed Hope has equally rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on Thursday, sacking Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West senatorial constituency and ordered INEC to recognise former governor Rochas Okorocha as the valid candidate.
While declaring that the judgment will not stand, the group commended the APC national leadership under Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda for its firm, courageous and principled support for Governor Uzodimma as he battles to represent Imo West Senatorial District in the Senate in 2027.
The group further hailed the decision of Governor Uzodimma and the APC to challenge the Appeal Court, and expressed confidence that the Appeal Court would set aside the judgment and restore the mandate given to him.
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo and National Secretary, Comrade Jamilu Maikano, the group said: “Governor Uzodimma emerged through a valid APC primary monitored by INEC. The people of Imo West know who their candidate is. No court, no political godfather, and no desperate opposition can upturn the will of the party and the people.
“We therefore hail the decision of Governor Uzodimma and the APC to head to the Court of Appeal to challenge this judgment. “We are confident that the Appeal Court will set aside this judgment and restore the mandate freely given to Governor Uzodimma.
“Governor Uzodimma is not just a Governor. He is a loyal party man, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, a bridge-builder, and one of the strongest pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the South East.
“His record in Imo State speaks for itself — in infrastructure, in security, in workers’ welfare, in youth empowerment, and in bringing Imo State firmly into the centre of national politics. Imo West deserves a Senator of his calibre, experience and national reach.
“We call on the good people of Imo West, leaders and members of the APC in Imo State, and all lovers of progress, to remain calm, remain united, and rally round Governor Uzodimma. This is not just his battle — it is the battle for the future of Imo West, for the South East, and for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We also warn those sponsoring endless court cases and media blackmail to desist. The era of using the courts to steal mandates is over.
“With the support of the APC National Leadership, the support of President Tinubu, and the overwhelming support of the people, Governor Uzodimma will emerge victorious at the Appeal Court, win the election, and go to the Senate to give Imo West the quality representation it deserves.”
