Political leaders from Delta North have announced plans to legally challenge Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision emerged from a meeting led by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who emphasized the importance of maintaining Delta North as a PDP stronghold. Onyeme stated, “Delta North should remain a PDP-dominant senatorial district. We must consolidate our position as the main determinant for all elections in Delta State.”
Senator Nwoko, representing Delta North, officially resigned from the PDP on January 30, 2025, citing internal divisions and factionalization within the party as his primary reasons for leaving. He expressed concerns that these issues hindered his ability to fulfill campaign promises to his constituents.
The PDP’s stance is rooted in the argument that the mandate held by Senator Nwoko was secured under the party’s platform. They contend that his defection to the APC necessitates relinquishing the senatorial seat, as the votes cast were for the PDP. This perspective aligns with previous legal interpretations that emphasize the sanctity of party mandates in Nigeria’s political framework.
In response to his defection, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, downplayed its significance, referencing Nwoko’s history of party switches and expressing confidence in the PDP’s continued dominance in the region.
