There’s a lot of drama happening in Delta State, Nigeria, and it’s all about a politician named Ned Nwoko. He was elected as a senator in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but he just made a big move: he left the PDP and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is the ruling party in Nigeria. This decision has caused a lot of tension and talk among politicians, especially Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other PDP leaders.
But why did Ned Nwoko leave the PDP? And what does this mean for Delta State? Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.
Why Did Ned Nwoko Leave the PDP?
Nwoko says he left the PDP for three main reasons:
- He Wants to Create a New State Called Anioma
Nwoko has been trying to create a new state called Anioma, which would be carved out of Delta State. But the PDP leaders, including Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa, don’t support his idea. He thinks the APC will help him make this happen. - He Felt Ignored by the PDP
Nwoko says the PDP didn’t let him do his job properly as a senator. For example, important projects like the Okpai Power Plant and Ogwashi-Uku Dam didn’t get the funding he wanted. He also wasn’t allowed to pick people for important positions in the state. - He Wants to Help His People More
Nwoko believes that by joining the APC, he can bring more development and benefits to his area, Delta North. He said, “Time is running out, and I must act fast to help my people.”
How Did the PDP React?
The PDP leaders in Delta State were not happy about Nwoko leaving. Here’s what some of them said:
- Fred Oghenesivbe, an aide to Governor Oborevwori, thinks Nwoko left because he was scared of losing the 2027 election.
- Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Information, said Nwoko’s move won’t hurt the PDP’s chances in 2027.
The PDP leaders held a meeting and promised to win back Nwoko’s Senate seat in 2027. They also said the PDP will stay strong in Delta North, where it has been popular for years.
What Did the APC Say?
The APC was very happy to welcome Nwoko. Professor Lowry Edozien, a top APC leader, said Nwoko is a great addition to the party and will help them win more seats in 2027. He also mentioned that the APC is growing in Delta State and now has four members in the National Assembly.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, officially announced Nwoko’s switch to the APC in the Senate, making it official.
What Happens Next?
Many people think former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa might run for senator in Delta North in 2027. If that happens, there could be a big political battle between Okowa and Nwoko.
Some experts say Governor Oborevwori is still following Okowa’s plans, which is why many PDP members are leaving for the APC. A political analyst, Mr Peter Legacy, said:
“Ned Nwoko is a big name in politics and a well-known philanthropist. His move to the APC is a big deal, and the PDP will have to work hard to win in 2027.”
What This Means for Delta State
The 2027 election in Delta North is going to be very exciting. The fight between the PDP and APC will likely be intense. Some people think political fights can be good because they push politicians to work harder for the people. Others worry that too much fighting could slow down development.
One thing is for sure: everyone in Delta State will be watching closely to see what happens next!
