By Julius Oweh | The Pond News
An African proverb says that a fruit-bearing tree attracts stones. In politics, success often draws both praise and envy. In Delta State, one name consistently evokes admiration and unease, and that is Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly.
Since his election to the Senate in 2023, Senator Nwoko, an accomplished international lawyer and renowned philanthropist, has pursued an ambitious legislative agenda that underscores his commitment to the people of Anioma and Nigeria at large.
Legislative Agenda
Senator Nwoko stands out in the National Assembly for the sheer volume and significance of his legislative work. His sponsored bills span education, healthcare, water, and electricity. Notably, he is championing the upgrade of the Federal College of Education in Asaba to a Federal University of Technology and he is vigorously pursuing the creation of Anioma State.
His efforts extend beyond lawmaking. He has launched impactful campaigns against drug abuse and invested significantly in youth empowerment across Delta North, touching communities such as Asaba, Abbi, Aboh, Ogwashi Uku, Kwale, Ibusa, Agbor, Ilah, and Igbodo. He has offered scholarships to hundreds of students. And recently he announced scholarship for 90 students across the nine Delta North LGAs.
A Bold Political Move: Defection to the APC
Nwoko made headlines as the first major political figure in Delta State to defect from the PDP to the APC. His move caused a political tremor, eventually leading to all three Delta senators aligning with the APC and leaving the PDP reeling.
Attempts by the PDP to reverse this shift through the courts were unsuccessful. Today, many former critics within the PDP have followed Nwoko’s lead, underscoring the political weight of his decision.
APC Delta North Meeting: A Show of Strength
On June 14, Senator Nwoko hosted a landmark APC senatorial meeting at his country home in Idumuje Ugboko. The well-attended gathering brought together thousands of party stakeholders and resulted in a resounding vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Nwoko himself.
The APC Delta North further resolved to support all three leaders as the party’s candidates for the 2027 elections, an affirmation of Nwoko’s growing influence.
Intra-Party Criticism
Not everyone welcomed the developments. Some party members, notably Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, criticized the meeting and the dissolution of the Forum of APC Delta North Local Government and Ward Chairmen.
However, Engr. Emma Eboh, a respected APC chieftain, defended the decisions, clarifying that the APC constitution does not recognize the dissolved bodies and that the senatorial chairman acted within his rights to enforce party discipline and cohesion.
Dr. Festus Okubor also voiced opposition to the meeting, claiming procedural lapses. Again, Eboh countered these assertions, labeling them misinformed and politically motivated, noting that Okubor’s commentary lacked constitutional grounding and risked sowing discord within the party.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The road to 2027 is already taking shape in Delta North. Senator Ned Nwoko has emerged as a central figure in APC’s political structure, his track record in the Senate, party leadership, and legislative initiatives speak volumes.
While some newcomers within the party may attempt to challenge his growing popularity through media campaigns or internal resistance, few can deny his growing stature. With his legislative accomplishments and grassroots appeal, attempts to replace Senator Nwoko in 2027 would be a political gamble.
