Ex-Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has expressed delight over a court ruling concerning his legal battle with Governor Hope Uzodimma over the All Progressives Congress senatorial ticket for Imo West, asserting that the judgment has completely vindicated him.
Speaking to journalists after the judgment, Okorocha said the court had upheld his claims and challenged any party dissatisfied with the decision to appeal.
“All the court agreed with me,” he said. “But if they want to appeal, let them appeal. I’ll tackle them on it.”
Okorocha alleged that irregularities in the senatorial primary results formed part of the dispute, claiming that entries across the 12 local government areas were made by one person.
He also questioned discrepancies between ward-level results and figures recorded at the local government collation stage, alleging that some ward result sheets contained no scores despite figures appearing in the collation results.
The former governor said he had remained silent while allegations of forgery circulated, choosing instead to await the court’s decision.
He urged the police to investigate those responsible for any forged documents rather than target people he described as innocent.
“The police should go after those who forged and not go to an innocent man who presented a document,” he said.
Okorocha also commended the judge for what he described as a clear-headed assessment of the case, while thanking his legal team and a forensic expert who he said had faced difficulties over his involvement in the matter.
He described the judgment as a sign that justice was not for sale, adding that it would restore confidence in the judiciary.
The dispute centres on the APC senatorial primary for Imo West, with Okorocha challenging the process that produced Uzodimma as the party’s candidate.
What You Should Know
Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has won a court case regarding the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Imo West, which previously favored Governor Hope Uzodimma. Okorocha criticized alleged irregularities and document falsification during the collation process and called on law enforcement agencies to investigate the perpetrators.
- Positive Impact: The ruling reinforces judicial accountability and offers a legal path for politicians to challenge perceived electoral irregularities through the courts rather than resorting to violence.
- Potential Concerns: Ongoing political friction within the ruling party in Imo State could lead to prolonged legal appeals, heightening political tension in the region.
