Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) has created a political storm in Delta State. While some of his supporters believe it is in the best interest of the Anioma people, others argue that he should resign from the Senate since he was elected under the PDP platform.
Legal practitioner Tonnie Oganah and political stakeholder Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu were among those who defended Nwoko’s decision. Oganah emphasized that Nwoko switched parties after consulting widely.
“Prince Nwoko’s movement to the APC is about wanting the best for our people. The APC supports the creation of Anioma State and wants direct empowerment for all local government areas by allocating funds directly to them,” Oganah said.
According to him, Nwoko’s defection could bring jobs and opportunities for the Anioma people. He also argued that Nwoko would not lose his Senate seat because the constitution allows lawmakers to switch parties if their original party is divided at the national level.
Odogwu, another supporter, said Nwoko had made his reasons for leaving clear in his resignation letter to the PDP chairman in Aniocha North.
“He could not in good conscience continue to represent our people under the current divisive and politically polluted environment of the PDP. I support his decision because it is in the best interest of the Anioma people,” Odogwu said.
He added that he was looking forward to Nwoko’s official declaration as a member of the APC.
Critics Call for Nwoko’s Resignation
However, PDP leaders in Delta State were not pleased with Nwoko’s defection. Dr. Festus Okubor, Chief Strategist to the Delta State Governor, insisted that Nwoko should step down from the Senate and seek re-election under the APC.
“We are practicing party-based democracy; there is no room for indiscipline. The votes that took you to the Senate belong to the PDP. You should drop the seat and prove your popularity,” Okubor said.
Former APC spokesperson in Delta State, Sylvester Imonina, also argued that Nwoko’s defection was unconstitutional.
“Nwoko’s action is an affront to Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. The PDP does not have factions at the state or national levels. Since he has defected to the APC, the honorable thing for him to do is vacate his seat at the National Assembly,” Imonina said.
Imonina urged the PDP to begin legal action to remove Nwoko from the Senate if he refused to step down.
Mixed Reactions from Political Leaders
The controversy surrounding Nwoko’s defection has drawn mixed reactions from other political figures in Delta State. Former Commissioner for Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, criticized politicians who frequently switch parties.
“Some people defect from one party to infect another party,” Muoboghare said. “Some defectors are very toxic.”
Chief Olori Magege, another political leader, dismissed Nwoko’s defection, calling it “good riddance.”
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Delta APC Welcomes Nwoko
Despite the criticism, the APC in Delta State welcomed Nwoko with open arms. The party’s publicity secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, said the state APC chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, and other party leaders were pleased with Nwoko’s decision.
“This significant move underscores a growing recognition of the APC as the party of choice for progressive and forward-thinking leaders in Delta State. Senator Nwoko’s decision to join the APC is a testament to his commitment to the development and welfare of our people,” Onojeghuo said.
He added that Nwoko’s leadership experience would help strengthen the APC and promote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in Delta State.
“As we prepare for his official entry into our party, we are confident that Senator Nwoko’s contributions will strengthen our party and help drive good governance, accountability, and economic development in Delta State,” Onojeghuo stated.
With his defection now public, Nwoko is expected to make a formal declaration of his new political affiliation. Meanwhile, the PDP and other critics continue to push for his resignation from the Senate. Whether Nwoko will retain his seat or face legal challenges remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—his move has significantly altered the political landscape in Delta State.