The absence of top political figures, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, and former House of Representatives member Ndudi Elumelu, raised eyebrows on Saturday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North stakeholders convened at the residence of Senator Ned Nwoko.
The high-level meeting, held at Nwoko’s country home in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area, was aimed at fostering party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, it also laid bare the underlying tensions within the party’s Delta North chapter.
Despite the absence of prominent figures, including Okowa and Onyeme—who previously criticized the venue choice—the gathering moved forward, attracting APC chieftains, party elders, youth leaders, and supporters. Leadership friction between the Okowa-Onyeme bloc and Senator Nwoko, dating back to their days in the PDP, now appears to have spilled over into the APC.
One of the key resolutions at the meeting was a renewed push for the creation of Anioma State from the existing Delta State. Speaking at the event, Senator Nwoko confirmed that a technical committee will soon be inaugurated in Asaba to drive the process.
“We are on course. The technical committee will be inaugurated in Asaba to help work towards actualising the creation of Anioma State,” Nwoko said.
Citing national backing, Nwoko disclosed that 75 senators are already in support of the Anioma State bill. “The process has moved past the committee stage and is headed for a public hearing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. After that, we return to the Senate for the third reading of the bill,” he noted.
The senator also reiterated his commitment to infrastructure development, particularly the completion of the Ogwashi-Ukwu multipurpose dam and the national grid step-down project in Okpai. “When we have water and electricity, everyone will benefit,” he added.
Chairman of the APC in Delta North, Chief Eluaka Adizue, encouraged new and returning members to formalize their party affiliation through the ongoing online registration and ward-level sign-ups.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, made a rallying call for reconciliation among aggrieved members.
“We need a united front. We don’t have a party to divide us—we have a party to unite us, especially in Delta North,” Ochei emphasized.
While the meeting signals APC’s determination to build momentum ahead of 2027, the notable absences underscore the internal divisions the party must urgently resolve to stand a united chance in upcoming elections.
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