The senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly Ned Nwoko, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party’s opposition to the creation of Anioma State as a key reason for his departure.
Speaking in Asaba on Monday, Nwoko explained that his decision was driven by the need for support from the ruling party in advocating for the creation of Anioma State, a cause he believes the leadership of the PDP, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, have opposed.
“I left because I want to be able to get the support of the ruling party in the creation of Anioma State. The governor and former governor, who are the leaders of the PDP, are against the creation of Anioma State,” Nwoko stated. He revealed that despite his attempts to garner support from the national leadership of the PDP, internal party disputes among members of the National Working Committee had hindered progress on the issue.
Nwoko also expressed frustration over the lack of funding for key projects he promised his constituents during his election campaign. He cited stalled projects like the Okpai Power Plant and the Ogwashi-Uku dam, and claimed that the governor deliberately obstructed his efforts to carry out these initiatives. “The governor made sure that I wasn’t allowed to function. He dismissed all the projects that we had discussed during the campaigns, citing a lack of funds. I wasn’t allowed to nominate any board members, commissioners, or local government chairmen,” Nwoko added.
In an effort to fulfill his promises to his constituency, Nwoko said that joining the ruling party was essential, given that time was running out. His defection to the APC was officially announced last week, following what he described as irreconcilable differences with Governor Oborevwori and other PDP leaders in Delta State.
Reacting to Nwoko’s departure, Fred Oghenesivbe, an aide to Governor Oborevwori, suggested that Nwoko’s move was motivated by a fear of losing the PDP ticket in the upcoming 2027 elections. Oghenesivbe also insinuated that Nwoko’s defection stemmed from his desire to secure political survival.
Meanwhile, Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Information in Delta State, dismissed Nwoko’s defection as inconsequential, pointing out that Nwoko had previously switched parties in 2003 and 2011 but the PDP still emerged victorious in the elections. “Now that he has left the PDP, we are not bothered because the party will win Delta North Senatorial District in 2027,” Aniagwu said. He emphasized that the focus should now be on governance, rather than engaging in political disputes.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the PDP would retain control in Delta North, regardless of Nwoko’s defection. “Our concern now is to concentrate on governance. It’s not the time to play politics, but I know that when the time comes, the PDP will still win,” Aniagwu concluded.
