Senator Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta North in the Senate, has announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He cited a lack of support from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the primary reasons for his decision.
Mr. Fred Oghenesivbe, an aide to Governor Oborevwori, had accused Nwoko of leaving the party due to fears of losing his PDP ticket for the 2027 elections. In response, Nwoko clarified on Monday that he left the PDP specifically because both Governor Oborevwori and Okowa opposed the creation of Anioma State.
“I left because I want to secure the support of the ruling party for the creation of Anioma State,” he stated. “The governor and Okowa, who lead the PDP, are against this initiative. While I sought support from the party’s national leadership, they have been caught up in destructive infighting and have failed to provide strong leadership.”
Senator Ned Nwoko further explained that the governor had restricted his ability to function effectively within the party, dismissing the projects they had discussed during the campaigns by claiming a lack of funds. He pointed to the Okpai Power Plant and the Ogwashi-Uku Dam as examples of neglected initiatives. Additionally, Nwoko mentioned that he had not been allowed to nominate board members, commissioners, or local government chairmen. He felt compelled to join the ruling party in order to attract projects to his constituency, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
In contrast, Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, addressed journalists on Monday in Asaba, downplaying Nwoko’s defection. He expressed confidence that it would not affect the party’s standing, noting, “Remember that the same person defected to APGA in 2003, and the PDP won the election; he also defected to DPP in 2011, yet the PDP won again. Now that he has left the PDP, we are not concerned because we believe the party will win the Delta North senatorial district in 2027.”
Aniagwu emphasized that the government is focused on governance rather than political maneuvering, asserting, “It’s not the time to play politics, but I am confident that when the time comes, the PDP will prevail.”
