Former Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha has called on his successor, Governor Hope Uzodimma, to rein in his aides and halt public attacks on the judiciary.
Okorocha gave the warning on Tuesday at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, according to Punch. He explained that he visited the court registry to sign documents relating to Uzodimma’s appeal against an earlier judgment that altered the party's candidate list for the 2027 elections.
The dispute centres on an October 29 ruling delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu. The court nullified Uzodimma’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District, declaring Okorocha the rightful winner of the May 18 primary. Justice Egwuatu held that Okorocha secured the highest number of valid votes and directed the APC to send his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the January 16, 2027 poll.
Okorocha voiced anger over remarks made by Uzodimma’s Deputy Chief of Staff and the APC National Vice Chairman, who reportedly described the judgment as procured and rubbish. The former governor condemned the statements as an uncivilised attempt to intimidate judges.
He pointed out that Uzodimma had previously benefited from court rulings and should not condemn the legal system whenever an outcome goes against him. He stated that Uzodimma is free to pursue his grievance through the legal process up to the Supreme Court rather than allowing supporters to denigrate judges.
Okorocha expressed faith in the country's legal system, saying he remains confident that justice will prevail as the appeal moves forward.
