By Francis Sadhere, Warri
In a groundbreaking political development, Senator Ned Nwoko has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that is set to reshape the political landscape of Delta State.
The announcement was made in his hometown of Idumuje Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area, where Nwoko expressed his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The decision marks a significant shift in Delta State politics, where the PDP has traditionally been the dominant force. Nwoko’s defection leaves the state with all three of its current senators—Nwoko, Ede Dafinone, and Joel Onowakpo Thomas—aligned with the APC, strengthening the party’s influence in the region.
While the formal announcement of his defection is yet to come, Senator Nwoko’s Director of Communications, Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, confirmed that the senator had informed his constituents of his decision during a consultative meeting.
Okolugbo cited frustration with the lack of support from the PDP, particularly from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as a primary reason for Nwoko’s move.
According to Okolugbo, Nwoko had long been committed to delivering key infrastructural projects such as electricity and water supply to Delta North, but political power struggles within the PDP had hindered these efforts.
“Senator Nwoko believes he can achieve more for his constituents by aligning with the president’s party. His defection is not just about politics; it is about ensuring development and accountability,” Okolugbo explained.
She said that despite his best efforts, Nwoko faced resistance from the PDP leadership, especially in securing funding for critical projects like the Okpai Independent Power Project and the Ogwashi-Uku dam, which were central to his vision for improving the lives of his constituents.
In a candid statement, Okolugbo explained, “Senator Nwoko came prepared to serve and deliver the dividends of good governance to Anioma people, but regrettably, he had not enjoyed the cooperation and support of his party. Internal party dynamics, including factionalism and political power plays, have made it impossible for him to fulfill his campaign promises.”
In her words: “What I can tell you is that today Senator Ned Nwoko held a consultative meeting with his constituents to inform them of his interest to defect from the People’s Democratic Party.
“There has been a lot of processes that he has gone through trying to speak to the internal party structures to see that the issues that we have in Delta North are resolved.
“One of the key reasons for which a legislator or a serving member can defect is factionalization. You don’t have to see violence before you know there’s factionalization in the party.
“And as we move ahead, it’s very important for us to strengthen the democratic institutions. Representative democracy is actually about balance of power, transparency in governance and accountable use of resources.”
“So it took a lot of groundwork and a lot of service to the people before we got PDP to become the predominant party of Delta State that delivered the last set of votes.
“Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko was on the field even after he had won his elections, promising the electorate that together they would deliver the dividends of good governance, because this is about representative democracy.”
This move has generated considerable speculation about the future of the PDP in Delta State, especially as rumors swirl regarding Governor Oborevwori’s potential defection to the APC. While Oborevwori has denied such claims, the departure of Nwoko, a key figure in the party, signals growing dissatisfaction within the PDP ranks.
Nwoko’s defection to the APC is seen as a strategic alignment with the federal government’s agenda, with Okolugbo emphasizing that the senator believes he can achieve more for his constituents by working within the ruling party. “His decision is not just about politics; it’s about ensuring development and accountability,” Okolugbo said.
As the political dust settles, all eyes are now on Delta State, where Nwoko’s move has set the stage for a potential realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. If Governor Oborevwori follows suit, it could mark the end of the PDP’s dominance in the state, heralding a new era for the APC in Delta.
For now, the focus remains on Nwoko’s continued engagement with his constituents and the APC leadership, as his defection promises to be a game-changer in the state’s political future.
