The group describes the judgment as a victory for democracy and urges the APC to comply with the court order ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) has welcomed a reported Federal High Court judgment in Abuja nullifying Governor Hope Uzodimma’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Imo West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and signed by its National President, Comrade Haruna Bature, the group described the ruling as a victory for democracy, the rule of law and internal party democracy.
According to the statement, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026, ruled that Uzodimma did not emerge as the winner of the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026.
The statement further claimed that the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Senator Rochas Okorocha as the party’s validly nominated candidate for Imo West Senatorial District.
AYPC said the court found that Uzodimma’s nomination violated Sections 29 and 32 of the Electoral Act, as well as the APC’s internal guidelines.
Bature said the judgment had reinforced public confidence in the judiciary and demonstrated that political officeholders must comply with electoral laws and established party procedures.
He alleged that Okorocha’s name had been unlawfully substituted despite evidence indicating that he won the party’s primary election.
The group also criticised Uzodimma, who is the governor of Imo State, arguing that political leaders should uphold democratic principles and respect the decisions of party members.
AYPC described the judgment as a warning to political actors against manipulating party primaries or imposing candidates on party members.
The organisation further said the ruling would help protect the political interests of voters and party members in Imo West.
It commended Justice Egwuatu for what it described as his courage and professionalism, while also praising INEC officials for their role in monitoring the primary election.
The group urged Uzodimma to respect the court’s decision and called on the APC leadership to comply with the reported order by forwarding Okorocha’s name to INEC as the party’s candidate for the senatorial district.
AYPC maintained that internal party democracy was essential to credible elections and urged political parties to ensure that their candidate selection processes complied with electoral laws.
The statement concluded that the outcome underscored the importance of the rule of law and the need for political leaders to respect the choices of party members.
The claims regarding the court’s decision and its specific orders are attributed to the AYPC statement.
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