APC Delta North in Turmoil Over Ned Nwoko’s Controversial Endorsement

ANIOCHA NORTH, DELTA STATE – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District is embroiled in a fierce political crisis following the contentious endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term. The political storm, sparked by a meeting on June 14, 2025, at the senator’s country home, has exposed deep divisions and ignited a power tussle within the party’s local structure.

At the heart of the crisis is the endorsement of Senator Nwoko by ward and local government chairmen from the nine local councils in Delta North. While the event appeared to be a show of unified party support, it has since turned into a flashpoint for factional conflict, raising questions about the legitimacy and intent behind the move.

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Endorsement Sparks Fallout in Delta North APC

The meeting, which took place at Nwoko’s residence in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North, drew notable party figures including Chief Adizue Eluaka, the APC Chairman for Delta North. During the gathering, party members reportedly moved and unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Nwoko.

According to Nwoko, over 7,000 party members and leaders were in attendance, making it a robust affirmation of support. “The event was a monthly stakeholders’ meeting. All key party organs from Delta North were there,” Nwoko said. “A vote of confidence was adopted, and there was no objection voiced by any attendees, including the three local government chairmen now opposing it.”

However, this initial display of solidarity has since unraveled. Reports surfaced that under significant internal pressure, Chief Eluaka reversed his position, disowning the endorsement. In a sharp pivot, Eluaka described the group that orchestrated the endorsement as “unauthorised and unconstitutional,” and dissolved the forum that initiated it.

This unexpected about-face signaled a serious rift within the Delta North APC, one that could have lasting implications for the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Aniocha North Defends Nwoko Amidst Factional Battle

As internal tensions mounted, the APC leadership in Aniocha North quickly came to Nwoko’s defense. In a press release signed by party elders and executives, the local chapter reaffirmed its commitment to Nwoko’s candidacy and lashed out at what it termed “misguided opposition” within the party.

The statement also praised Aniocha North APC Chairman Matthew Chinye for standing firm with the senator, despite growing pressure from other local government chairmen. “We commend our chairman for standing on the side of truth and the will of the people,” the statement read. “His principled stand against the internal sabotage underlines his dedication to true leadership.”

This factional support from Aniocha North further complicates the unfolding saga, transforming what began as a simple endorsement into a test of loyalty, party discipline, and regional influence within Delta North’s APC structure.

Party insiders suggest that some of the dissenting chairmen had signed protest letters without consulting their respective local government executives—raising additional concerns over procedural fairness and representative legitimacy.

Deeper Divisions Ahead of 2027 Elections

Political analysts believe this crisis could weaken the APC’s performance in Delta North if not carefully managed. With accusations of betrayal, misrepresentation, and power consolidation flying on both sides, the party faces the risk of internal implosion.

While Senator Nwoko remains firm in his position, insisting the endorsement followed due process and had overwhelming backing, dissenters argue that the senator’s camp overreached by declaring widespread support prematurely.

The party’s state-level leadership has remained largely silent on the matter, possibly awaiting a more opportune moment to intervene. However, the longer the crisis lingers, the more it may impact party unity and the effectiveness of its grassroots operations.

What began as a routine political affirmation has now spiraled into a full-blown crisis—one that may determine the shape of APC’s leadership and electoral strength in the senatorial district for years to come.