BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
Fresh political developments across Delta State indicate that Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, is making significant strides toward his vow to dismantle the longstanding dominance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state by 2027.
Since his high-profile defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Nwoko has been vocal about his mission to end what he described as PDP’s “inglorious” 25-year rule. In various interviews, he accused the PDP of mismanaging the state’s wealth, stating that despite receiving trillions of naira in federal allocations and internally generated revenue over the years, Delta remains underdeveloped.
He insisted that real progress in Delta can only come through a political shift—one that puts the APC in control.
Recent investigations and political developments across the state suggest that Senator Nwoko is well on his way to fulfilling that ambition. Since his defection, there has been a notable wave of resignations from the PDP across all 25 local government areas of the state.
The trend began in Oshimili South through to Aniocha North, then a large wave in Ika North East, where social media platforms were flooded with resignation letters from PDP members, many of whom cited disillusionment and pledged loyalty to the APC.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, another wave of multiple defections hit the PDP in Ukwuani local government area where a number of party members dumped the PDP and pledged loyalty to Senator Ned Nwoko.
Observers believe that the growing influence of Senator Nwoko is the driving force behind the massive defections. Within just two years in the Senate, Nwoko is said to have made more visible impact in his constituency than many of his predecessors, which has earned him considerable grassroots support.
This widespread support is now manifesting in a significant political realignment in Delta North. For the first time since 1999, the PDP is experiencing an unprecedented wave of defections, with many seeing their prior decision to oppose Nwoko as a political misstep.
Alarmed by the shift, PDP leaders have been scrambling to contain the fallout, holding emergency meetings across the nine local government areas in Delta North. The state’s governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, is reportedly uneasy amid fears that the APC could challenge his re-election bid in 2027.
The situation escalated further when photos emerged on Wednesday from the APC national secretariat showing Senator Nwoko in a group photo with former Deputy Governor Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, APC state chairman Omeni Sobotie, Great Ovedje Ogboru, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. Though Otuaro’s media aide dismissed rumors of a defection, describing the gathering as a meeting on national issues, multiple sources suggest otherwise.
Investigative journalist Fejiro Oliver claimed in a Facebook post that Senator Nwoko played a key role in facilitating Otuaro’s move to the APC. If confirmed, Otuaro’s defection would represent a significant blow to the PDP, given his longstanding influence in Delta politics.
Oliver noted that while Otuaro was expected to defect in 2022 or 2023, political calculations delayed the move. Now, under Nwoko’s guidance, he appears ready to cross over, further shifting the political balance in the state. This move could have substantial implications for upcoming elections, especially the contest for Senate seats across Delta’s three senatorial districts.
Adding to the turbulence, reports indicate that a prominent PDP figure in Warri North—closely associated with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa—is also being courted by Nwoko to join the APC. Though the individual had previously denied the rumor in a video statement, recent comments from a notable politician suggest the move is indeed in motion.
In a related development, Great Ogboru’s return to the APC has also been attributed to Senator Nwoko’s behind-the-scenes efforts. Nwoko himself confirmed to this reporter via WhatsApp that he was behind the defection of Great Ogboru.
With these strategic defections and alliances, the APC is rapidly gaining ground in Delta State, positioning itself as a formidable force ahead of the 2027 general elections. Many political analysts believe that the PDP’s long-standing control over the state is nearing its end.
As the political dust settles, one thing is clear: Delta State is undergoing a dramatic political transformation—one that may alter its trajectory for years to come.
