Owerri Politics Just Got Spicy Again

If you thought Imo APC politics was settled for 2027, think again. The same old heavyweights are back in the ring, and this time it's over who flies the party's flag for Imo West.

According to cbinewstv.com, the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress is digging in its heels. For them, Governor Hope Uzodimma remains their man for Imo West Senatorial District — court order or no court order.

So, What Really Happened?

If this feels familiar, it is. Imo West, also known as Orlu Zone, is Nigeria's most politically volatile senatorial district — 12 LGAs, the largest voting bloc in the South-East, and historically the kingmaker zone in Imo governorship elections.

Uzodimma and Okorocha's feud is not new. It dates back to 2019 when Okorocha, finishing his second term as governor, wanted his son-in-law Uche Nwosu to succeed him, while Uzodimma clinched the APC governorship ticket with Adams Oshiomhole's backing. Uzodimma went on to become governor via a Supreme Court ruling in 2020. Since then, both men have controlled rival factions of Imo APC.

Okorocha represented Imo West from 2019 to 2023 before falling out with the party leadership. Uzodimma, whose second term as governor ends in 2028, is now looking at a return to the Senate — a chamber he previously occupied from 2011 to 2019. Under Nigerian electoral law, a sitting governor can contest a Senate seat while in office, provided he resigns after winning before being sworn in.

For the ordinary voter in Orlu, Nkwerre, Oru East or Oguta, this isn't just legal grammar. It's about who picks up their calls. Market women in Owerri will tell you they remember both men for different reasons — Okorocha for his free education policy and highly visible road projects, Uzodimma for the current administration's security and infrastructure drive under the 3R mantra.

Now, party faithful are confused. As one youth leader in Orlu told cbinewstv.com off-record: “We printed Uzodimma posters already. Are we supposed to bring them down?”

That's the real cost of pre-election litigation — voter apathy and party fatigue.

Why It Matters:

1. For INEC: The commission is now caught in the middle. It has a court order to publish Okorocha's name and a party saying it won't submit it.

2. For APC: A divided house in Orlu Zone could cost APC the entire South-East in 2027, especially with the Labour Party and PDP making strong inroads since 2023.

3. For Democracy: Data from Yiaga Africa shows that over 60% of post-primary cases in the 2023 cycle ended up in court. This case shows that pattern hasn't changed — primaries are still the weakest link in Nigeria's electoral chain.

Can APC Just Ignore a Court Order?

Short answer: No. Long answer: It's complicated.

Under the Electoral Act 2022, only the party can nominate a candidate, but INEC is bound to obey a court order until it is set aside by a higher court. Justice Egwuatu specifically restrained Uzodimma from parading himself as a candidate. If APC refuses to submit Okorocha's name, it risks contempt, and INEC could still publish Okorocha based on the judgment.

What APC will likely do next is file a Notice of Appeal and an application for Stay of Execution at the Court of Appeal. That stay, if granted, would freeze the High Court judgment until the appeal is heard. This is standard playbook in Nigerian pre-election matters.

What Next?

As reported by cbinewstv.com, here is what to watch:

1. Appeal Filing: Expect APC's legal team to head to the Court of Appeal in Abuja within 48-72 hours.

2. INEC's Move: Will INEC obey the court immediately and upload Okorocha to its candidate portal, or wait for an appeal?

3. Okorocha's Camp: Will he start consultations in Imo West or stay quiet and let the law work?

4. Supreme Court Factor: Given the personalities involved, this matter will almost certainly end up at the Supreme Court before December 2026 — the deadline for final determination of pre-election cases.

For now, the party is telling its supporters to “remain focused and committed to securing victories across the state’s constituencies.” But on the ground in Imo West, there are two candidates wearing one party's cap.

Stick with cbinewstv.com for updates as this political thriller unfolds.

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