APC Faces Candidacy Disputes in Imo and Ekiti South

The All Progressives Congress is facing simultaneous challenges to its candidate selections in two different regions. In Imo State, a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the candidacy of Governor Hope Uzodimma for the Imo West Senatorial District, declaring former governor Rochas Okorocha the authentic candidate for the January 16, 2027, election. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that Okorocha won the majority of lawful votes during the May 18, 2026, primary, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish Okorocha's name.

The APC has rejected the ruling, asserting that Uzodimma remains the candidate after receiving 230,464 votes compared to Okorocha's 1,098. The party stated its legal department will study the judgment to determine further action.

Separately, in Ekiti South, a coalition of party support groups has petitioned the APC national leadership to substitute Toyin Okoro Zacheaus as the House of Representatives candidate for the Ekiti South 1 federal constituency. The coalition alleges Zacheaus violated public service rules by running a private company while serving as a legislative aide and claims he has a 2006 fraud conviction and a history of deportation. Zacheaus has denied these allegations, describing them as attempts by opponents to discredit him.