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DELTA, Nigeria - The endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term as representative of Delta North Senatorial District has triggered sharp divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region.
On June 14, 2025, a group of APC local government and ward chairmen from the nine local councils of Delta North gathered at Nwoko’s country home in Aniocha North, where they formally endorsed the senator’s return bid.
The meeting, described by supporters as a demonstration of unity and grassroots support, was attended by prominent party figures, including the Delta North APC Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka.
However, the apparent consensus quickly unraveled. Just days after the endorsement, pressure from unnamed party stakeholders reportedly compelled Eluaka to withdraw his support.
He later declared the endorsing forum “unauthorised and unconstitutional” and announced its dissolution, citing the need to uphold discipline and party structure.
The move drew sharp criticism from APC leaders and executives in Aniocha North, Nwoko’s home base, who reaffirmed their support for the senator and accused detractors of political mischief.
In a joint statement signed by party elders and executives, they pledged their “unalloyed support” for Nwoko’s re-election, highlighting his visible achievements and people-centered leadership.
The statement also praised the Aniocha North APC Chairman, Matthew Chinye, for rejecting attempts by some Delta North party chairmen to discredit the endorsement.
“We commend our chairman for standing on the side of truth and the will of the people. His principled stand against the misguided opposition within the party underscores his commitment to credible leadership,” the statement read.
Senator Nwoko, responding to the controversy, maintained that the endorsement was legitimate and widely supported.
He disclosed that over 7,000 party faithful, including key APC leaders at all levels in Delta North, were present at the meeting where the endorsement took place.
“The event was the Delta North APC stakeholders’ monthly meeting. Over 7,000 party members attended, including the state chairman, senatorial chairman, state working committee members, all nine local government chairmen and their executives, ward chairmen and their executives, party elders, and a House of Representatives member,” Nwoko said.
“A motion was moved and adopted for a vote of confidence in President, the governor, and myself. When put to a voice vote, it was a unanimous ‘yes.’ Even the three local government chairmen now opposing it were present and raised no objections.
The document they later signed was without consultation with their LG executives and holds no weight in challenging the endorsement,” he added.
The unfolding drama underscores persistent internal tensions within the APC in Delta North, raising questions about cohesion and the true direction of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
