BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
The defection of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) must be more than a political shift—it must spark transformative leadership and a break from the past, Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko declared in a powerful public statement on Thursday.
Calling it a “historic moment,” Nwoko urged the governor to leave behind the political habits that led to the decline of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
“No one pours new wine into old wineskins,” he said, emphasizing that the move should not be symbolic but must
reflect a deeper commitment to progressive governance.
In what he described as a personal charge, Nwoko welcomed the governor’s realignment with the APC as an opportunity to reshape the political and developmental landscape of Delta and Nigeria at large.
“This moment is not just about shifting allegiances,” he noted. “It is about the bold possibilities now within reach—possibilities like the creation of Anioma and New Delta states.”
The senator, who represents Delta North and chairs the Senate Adhoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, affirmed that the APC had already endorsed the creation of the two new states, long before the defection occurred.
This, he said, signals the party’s readiness to address
longstanding regional imbalances through constitutional amendments.
According to Nwoko, Anioma State would fulfill the long-standing aspirations of the people of Delta North for political identity and parity, while the proposed New Delta would correct deep structural inequalities, bringing governance closer to underserved communities.
He stressed that the APC, now in a strong legislative position, can push through constitutional reforms without making painful concessions. “We are not lobbying from a place of weakness—we are standing in strength,” he declared.
Urging the governor to fully embrace the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nwoko called this the “golden hour” for the South and Delta State in particular. “Two new states will mean two new engines of development,” he said, emphasizing improved infrastructure, increased federal allocation, and grassroots democracy as expected outcomes.
In closing, Nwoko challenged the governor to lead with courage and clarity: “Let us move forward, not cautiously, but courageously—with clarity and conviction.”
All eyes are now on Delta’s leadership to see whether this political shift will translate into meaningful structural change and lasting legacy.
SENATOR NED NWOKO’s STATEMENT ON THE DEFECTION OF DELTA STATE GOVERNOR TO APC.
A New Dawn for New Delta and Anioma Statehood
By Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko
Delivered as a personal charge to the Governor of Delta State
With your courageous defection to the All Progressives Congress, a significant chapter in our nation’s political history is being rewritten. *This moment is not just about shifting allegiances, it is about the bold possibilities now within reach. For the first time in decades, we have a real chance to restructure Nigeria’s federating units through constitutionally backed reforms that serve justice, equity, and true federalism.*
As Governor of Delta State, leading the charge among five PDP governors now aligning with the APC, you have stepped into a party reenergized and focused, *a party that has already begun laying the groundwork for bold constitutional amendments.
Chief among these is the creation of two new viable states: Anioma and New Delta. Let me remind you, this agenda was declared a done deal by the party leadership long before your defection, a testament to the APC’s commitment to correcting historical imbalances and ending regional marginalization.*
It now behoves on you to rise to this historic moment. The past must not be carried into the future. As scripture warns, “ *No one pours new wine into old wineskins.” Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind.*
Your defection must not be symbolic, it must be transformative. This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development. It is time to right the wrongs of the past.
Why This Moment Matters
The creation of Anioma State will finally give voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North. It is a long overdue recognition of a people who have sought parity with their kinsmen.
The proposed New Delta will address the deep internal asymmetries within the current Delta State structure. It will empower neglected communities, bring government closer to the people, and unlock new paths for economic growth.
For the first time, the APC is armed with the numbers to amend the constitution. This time, we can fulfill these promises without demanding painful tradeoffs from the South. We are not lobbying from a place of weakness, we are standing firmly in a position of strength.
These changes are more than political. They are economic necessities. They are about focused governance, better infrastructure, increased federal allocation, and grassroots democracy. Two new states will mean two new engines of development.
Realignment Must Mean Responsibility
This is the golden hour for the South, and especially for Delta. Your move to the APC must be anchored in vision. Embrace the party’s progressive agenda. Lead the charge for constitutional reform. Leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy.
Your decision to align with the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda will ensure that New Delta State, and Anioma is not left behind , but instead benefits immensely from the vast opportunities available at the centre.
Let us move forward, not cautiously, but courageously, with clarity and conviction.
Thank you.
Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko
Senator Representing Delta North
Chairman, Senate Adhoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft
