A simmering political rift has emerged within the Delta North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term ahead of the 2027 elections. The move, originally presented as a consensus, has now sparked internal discord and sharp division among party leaders.
On June 14, 2025, APC ward and local government chairmen from the nine local government areas of Delta North gathered at Senator Nwoko’s country home to express support for his re-election bid. The meeting, which reportedly drew thousands of party faithful, was positioned as a routine stakeholders’ gathering but ended with a formal endorsement of Nwoko’s return to the Senate.
The presence of influential figures — including Delta North APC Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka — initially lent credibility to the declaration. However, what began as a celebratory endorsement quickly unraveled amid accusations of impropriety and internal party politics.
Days later, Chief Eluaka distanced himself from the endorsement, stating that the group behind it was an “unauthorised and unconstitutional body.” In a surprising move, the forum responsible for Nwoko’s endorsement was dissolved, reportedly under pressure from senior party stakeholders intent on reasserting party discipline and structural protocol.
Despite the reversal, APC executives in Aniocha North, Nwoko’s home local government, have doubled down on their endorsement. In a joint statement signed by party elders and ward leaders, they reaffirmed their “unalloyed support” for Nwoko, describing him as a “results-driven representative” whose tenure has been marked by visible projects and “people-oriented governance.”
They also applauded Aniocha North APC Chairman, Mr. Matthew Chinye, for refusing to join what they termed “a misguided opposition” within the party ranks.
“We commend our chairman for standing firmly on the side of truth and respecting the will of the people,” the statement read.
In response to the controversy, Senator Nwoko defended the legitimacy of the endorsement and the overwhelming support he received during the meeting.
“The event was the official monthly Delta North APC stakeholders’ meeting, attended by over 7,000 party members, including the state chairman, senatorial chairman, and all working committee members,” Nwoko stated.
He also accused three dissenting local government chairmen of acting unilaterally without consulting their executives.
“These chairmen did not raise any objections at the meeting when a motion of confidence was passed on President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and myself,” he said.
“They later signed a document without the consent of their LG executives. Their actions hold no legitimacy.”
The unfolding scenario highlights deep-seated power struggles and strategic realignments within the Delta North APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Political watchers say it could foreshadow more intraparty tension as the race heats up.
