Hoperising for Imolites Foundation has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which declared former Governor Rochas Okorocha the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.
The foundation described the judgment delivered on Thursday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu as a miscarriage of justice, an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of the APC and a misinterpretation of the party’s democratic processes.
In a statement signed by its National President, Chief Success Akagburuonye, the foundation maintained that Governor Hope Uzodimma remained the most viable and strategic candidate to represent Orlu Zone in the Senate.
It argued that, as the incumbent governor, Uzodimma commands the trust, political structure and party machinery across the 12 local government areas of Imo West, adding that his leadership would strengthen party unity and position the APC for victory in the forthcoming general election.
The foundation also highlighted Uzodimma’s legislative experience, recalling that he represented Imo West Senatorial District in the Senate for two terms between 2011 and 2019, during which he chaired key committees and attracted infrastructure projects to the zone.
According to the statement, his previous experience in the National Assembly would enable him to provide effective legislative representation and attract federal projects to the constituency.
It further cited the governor’s developmental interventions in road infrastructure, healthcare and youth empowerment, particularly in Orlu Zone, as evidence of his capacity to deliver effective representation.
The foundation, therefore, called on the leadership of the APC and Governor Uzodimma to immediately appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal.
It expressed confidence that the appellate court would uphold established legal principles governing political party supremacy and set aside the judgment.
Chief Akagburuonye reaffirmed the foundation’s support for Governor Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition, insisting that his candidature would serve the political interests of the APC and the people of Imo West.