NIGERIA: Nwoko’s Defection To APC Sparks Political Tension In Delta

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The political landscape in Delta State is heating up as Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His move, announced on January 30, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the PDP, prompting a flurry of strategic meetings aimed at mitigating the impact ahead of the 2027 elections.

Citing a lack of support from the PDP leadership, Nwoko explained that his defection was primarily driven by his commitment to the creation of Anioma State.

He accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of actively working against the proposal. “The PDP’s internal divisions and failure to support developmental projects in my constituency left me with no choice but to join the ruling APC, where I can push for my people’s interests,” he stated.

The senator lamented that his efforts to facilitate projects such as the Okpai Power Plant and Ogwashi Uku Dam were thwarted by the state government, which cited financial constraints.

He further accused the PDP of sidelining him from key decision-making processes, including appointments of commissioners and local government chairpersons.

The PDP leadership in Delta has not taken Nwoko’s departure lightly. Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, dismissed the defection as insignificant, recalling Nwoko’s previous party switches in 2003 and 2011. “We are not losing sleep over his exit. The PDP will retain Delta North in 2027,” Aniagwu said.

In a bid to contain the fallout, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Asaba. Party leaders and elected officials reaffirmed their support for Governor Oborevwori, passing a vote of confidence in his leadership.

The gathering also resolved to initiate legal steps to reclaim the PDP mandate from Nwoko.

Addressing party faithful, Onyeme emphasized the need for grassroots mobilization to ensure that Delta North remains a PDP stronghold. “We must consolidate our dominance and resist any attempt to weaken the party’s influence in the state,” he said.

For the APC, Nwoko’s entry represents a strategic boost ahead of the 2027 elections. Former APC governorship aspirant, Prof. Lowry Edozien, welcomed the senator, describing him as an asset to the party. “His defection is a reflection of the PDP’s failures. With him on board, APC is positioned to make significant electoral gains,” Edozien stated.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio officially read Nwoko’s defection letter during plenary on February 5, 2025. The letter highlighted the PDP’s internal crisis and lack of leadership as major reasons for his departure.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, wasted no time in formally welcoming Nwoko to the ruling party.

The shifting political landscape suggests that the 2027 elections in Delta North will be fiercely contested.

Speculations are rife that former Governor Okowa is plotting a return to the Senate or positioning a loyalist to challenge Nwoko.

Political analyst Peter Legacy believes that Nwoko’s defection could significantly alter the dynamics of the race. “Nwoko is not just a politician; he is a well-known philanthropist with strong grassroots appeal. His move to APC will test PDP’s resilience in Delta North,” Legacy noted.

As political realignments continue, one thing is certain—Delta State is gearing up for an intense political showdown that could redefine its power structure in 2027.