Okorocha’s Police Ordeal Puts Disputed APC Primary Document Under Scrutiny
ABUJA, Nigeria — The police investigation involving former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has brought renewed attention to the controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Imo West, following allegations concerning a document that purportedly declared him the winner of the contest.
Okorocha was arrested at the Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja on Monday night and subsequently released on bail after approximately one hour of questioning, according to the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, Aniete Iniedu, as reported by Channels Television. He was asked to return to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for further interrogation as investigators continued examining the allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
The police action followed complaints concerning a document circulating on social media that purported to show Okorocha as the winner of the APC senatorial primary for Imo West. The controversy has raised questions about the origin, authenticity and circulation of the disputed document, which has become the subject of a formal investigation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through its Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo State, Chukwuemeka Ibeziako, petitioned the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the matter. In letters dated October 5 and October 8, the electoral commission’s representative reportedly requested an investigation into the document, which he described as fictitious.
According to the petitions, the disputed document contradicts the official primary report dated May 18, 2026, which identified Governor Hope Uzodimma as the winner of the APC primary for the Imo West senatorial district. INEC maintained that the report submitted to its national headquarters recognised Uzodimma as the party’s candidate.
The controversy is unfolding against the backdrop of political competition surrounding the 2027 elections and the struggle for the APC’s senatorial ticket in Imo West. Okorocha, a former senator who sought the party’s ticket, has also challenged aspects of the primary process and INEC’s recognition of Uzodimma through legal proceedings.
The police investigation is expected to examine the disputed document and the circumstances surrounding its circulation, including whether any criminal offence was committed. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and the arrest does not in itself establish guilt.
As the matter develops, attention will focus on the evidence gathered by investigators, any response from Okorocha and the outcome of the ongoing inquiry. The case also highlights the importance of transparent party primaries, reliable electoral documentation and the need to resolve disputes through established legal procedures.
