Senator Ned Nwoko’s second-term endorsement has split Delta North APC, sparking internal controversy.
Local leaders back him strongly, while senatorial executives disown the move, citing party protocol violations.
A recent endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term has triggered internal conflict within the Delta North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to a major rift between local and senatorial leaders of the party.
The senator, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, was endorsed on June 14, 2025, by a forum comprising local government and ward chairmen from the nine local government areas in the district. The endorsement took place at Nwoko’s country home, drawing notable figures including Chief Adizue Eluaka, Chairman of Delta North APC.
Supporters of Nwoko celebrated the meeting as a demonstration of unity and growing acceptance within the party. However, the development soon sparked controversy. Within days, pressure from unnamed party stakeholders led Chief Eluaka to retract his involvement in the endorsement. He declared the forum that organized the event as “unauthorized and unconstitutional,” and announced its dissolution in a move he said was necessary to restore discipline and order within the party’s structure.
Despite this reversal, APC leaders in Aniocha North Nwoko’s political base have remained firm in their support. They described the backlash as politically motivated and accused internal saboteurs of working under external influence to discredit the senator’s achievements.
In a statement jointly signed by party elders and executives in Aniocha North, the group reiterated its “unalloyed support” for Nwoko’s re-election bid, pointing to his track record and commitment to grassroots development.
They also praised Aniocha North APC Chairman, Mr. Matthew Chinye, for distancing himself from the opposition to Nwoko’s endorsement led by other Delta North chairmen. “We commend our chairman for standing on the side of truth and the will of the people. His principled position reflects his dedication to credible leadership,” the statement read.
Reacting to the backlash, Senator Nwoko stood by the legitimacy of the gathering, describing it as a routine stakeholders’ meeting for Delta North APC. According to him, over 7,000 party faithful were in attendance, along with all relevant party leadership, including the state and senatorial chairmen and members of the state working committee.
“It was the monthly Delta North APC stakeholders’ meeting,” Nwoko explained. “All nine local government chairmen and their executives, ward leaders, party elders, House of Representatives members, and other key figures were present. A motion for a vote of confidence in Mr. President, the governor, and myself was moved and adopted by voice vote it was unanimously accepted.”
The unfolding drama reflects deeper political tensions in Delta North, as the APC navigates its internal dynamics ahead of the next general election. With opposing factions standing firm, the party faces an uphill task in reconciling differences and presenting a united front.
