In a statement issued from Owerri on Thursday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders of Imo West Senatorial District – known locally as Orlu Zone – rejected a Federal High Court ruling that declared former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha the party’s candidate for the January 16, 2027 senatorial election. The court’s judgment, delivered on October 26, 2026, was met with a firm response from the youth representatives, who insist that incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma won the APC senatorial primary in a free, fair and transparent exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the Orlu Zone Youth Leadership Forum, Joseph Anene said the youths had been directly involved in mobilising and monitoring party members across the 12 local government areas during the primary. “We witnessed Uzodimma secure an overwhelming victory across the senatorial district,” Anene said, adding that the result reflected the genuine democratic wishes of APC members in the zone. He also disputed claims that Okorocha had taken part in the primary, noting that the former governor was neither present at any of the election venues nor sighted by observers.
Despite acknowledging the judiciary’s role in Nigeria’s democratic process, the group declared its rejection of the court’s decision and urged that the mandate given to Uzodimma by APC members be respected. They also backed the Imo State APC leadership’s decision to appeal the judgment, calling on party members and supporters – especially youths – to remain calm and law‑abiding while the legal process continues.
Other youth representatives present at the briefing included Victor Chinedu (Ideato North), Zachary Onuoha (Ideato South), Nnamdi Anochie (Nwangele), Gideon Onyejelem (Njaba), Stanley Ihezue (Orlu), Gabriel Ehirinne (Orsu), Chibuike Ogbeama (Oru East), Timothy (Oguta), Paul Toke (Ohaji‑Egbema) and Adonis Iheka (Oru West). The leaders stressed the need for unity within the APC and that political actions must reflect the overwhelming will of the people to promote social justice and public peace.
With the January 16, 2027 senatorial election looming, the Orlu Zone Youth Leadership Forum has reaffirmed its solidarity with the state APC leadership and urged members to uphold the party’s democratic principles and political stability in the district.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
