The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday officially welcomed Senator Ned Nwoko to the ruling party following his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the Senate, explained that his decision to leave the PDP was driven by the ongoing leadership crisis within the party. He further lamented that the lack of a conducive working environment under Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had hindered his ability to perform optimally as a lawmaker.
Speaking at the event, Ganduje expressed confidence that with Nwoko’s defection, the APC would now have the full support of all three Delta senators, boosting the party’s chances of winning the next Delta State governorship election.
“We are happy to receive you, distinguished Senator Nwoko. There’s no doubt that our leader, President Bola Tinubu, is focused and visionary. He has introduced reforms that, though painful, are necessary for Nigeria’s progress. Oil production has increased, refineries are operational, security is improving, and the country is moving forward,” Ganduje said.
He assured the new member that the APC in Delta would uphold internal democracy, adding that the party was determined to take over Delta State. “We had two out of three senators before and now have the entire three in Delta. As we promised, we will take over Delta State,” Ganduje declared.
Earlier in the day, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Nwoko’s letter of defection to the APC during a plenary session. The letter, titled “Notice of Departure from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” highlighted the lawmaker’s decision to leave the PDP after careful reflection and consultations with his constituents and political associates.
In his letter, Nwoko criticized the PDP for its internal divisions and lack of direction, stating that the party had “been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.” He warned that the party’s dysfunction was threatening Nigeria’s democracy, noting that a weakened opposition party would undermine democratic progress and could lead to a dangerous one-party system.
Nwoko also called on the Senate to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and propose solutions to safeguard the future of the country’s multi-party democracy. He stressed the importance of a strong opposition in ensuring accountability and promoting democratic values.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation,” Nwoko concluded in his letter.
Earlier, Nwoko had also sent a resignation letter to the PDP leadership at the ward level in Delta State, citing deep divisions and factionalization as the primary reasons for his defection. He expressed frustration with the lack of unity within the party, which he said had made it difficult to effectively advance the collective interests of the people.
“My decision to resign is, first and foremost, due to the deep divisions and factionalisation within the party,” he wrote in the letter, dated January 30, 2025. “This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interests of our people.”
