Okorocha vs Uzodimma: Court judgment raises jurisdiction question, says Ahiakwo

Constitutional lawyer and analyst Justice Osai Ahiakwo questioned the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction after it recognised Rochas Okorocha as the APC candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections. The APC reportedly held its primary on May 18, 2026, while Okorocha filed suit on August 13, raising questions about the Constitution’s 14-day limit for pre-election cases. Ahiakwo said the court first had to establish whether the suit challenged the primary or a later decision recognising the party’s candidate, because a favourable ruling on the merits cannot cure a jurisdictional defect. He also said Section 183 does not automatically bar Governor Hope Uzodimma from a Senate nomination and urged caution until the certified judgment and court filings are examined.