Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has urged his successor, Hope Uzodimma, to caution his aides against attacking the judiciary following a Federal High Court judgment recognising him as the All Progressives Congress candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

Mr Okorocha advised the governor to challenge the ruling through the appellate process up to the Supreme Court rather than allow his supporters to make disparaging remarks about the judge who delivered the judgment.

He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, where he said he had visited the court registry to sign documents relating to Mr Uzodimma’s appeal against the ruling.

Okorocha condemns criticism of judge

The former governor was reacting to comments credited to the governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff and the APC National Vice Chairman, who reportedly described the judgment as rubbish and procured.

Mr Okorocha described the remarks as an attempt to undermine and intimidate the judiciary, insisting that disagreements with court decisions should be addressed through legal channels.

He said it was unacceptable for political leaders to praise the judiciary when judgments favour them but condemn it when decisions go against their interests.

The former governor urged Mr Uzodimma to caution his aides and supporters against insulting judges, describing such conduct as damaging to the country’s democratic institutions.

Former governor questions APC primary

Mr Okorocha also defended the court’s decision, citing alleged inconsistencies in documents relating to the APC senatorial primary conducted on 18 May.

He questioned claims that Mr Uzodimma emerged through consensus, arguing that documents presented during the proceedings indicated discrepancies over the date and method of the primary election.

He also alleged that some documents certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission contained irregularities, including conflicting information about how the governor emerged as the party’s candidate.

Mr Okorocha challenged the governor to publicly address the issues raised rather than allow his aides to attack the judge.

He said the governor should patiently pursue his appeal, adding that the Supreme Court remained available to determine the dispute.

Court ruling favours Okorocha

The dispute followed an 29 October judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court held that Mr Okorocha secured the highest number of lawful votes in the APC’s 18 May senatorial primary and was therefore entitled to the party’s ticket for Imo West.

It consequently ordered the APC to submit his name to INEC as its candidate for the 16 January 2027 senatorial election.

Governor Uzodimma has challenged the ruling, while the Imo APC leadership has maintained that he remains its candidate pending the resolution of the legal dispute.

Mr Okorocha, however, expressed confidence in the judiciary and urged all parties to respect the legal process.