Senator says process lacked transparency and fairness
Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta North, has rejected the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Delta State, describing the process as lacking transparency and fairness.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Nwoko expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the senatorial primary, especially the declaration of Ifeanyi Okowa as the winner.
According to the senator, the video currently circulating online showing Okowa being declared winner originated from only one ward out of the 98 wards in the senatorial district.
Nwoko challenged the party leadership to release complete ward-by-ward results and video evidence from all polling wards to verify the authenticity of the outcome.
“I wouldn’t accept it. Because I have a mandate. I have a mandate by the people,” Nwoko said.
The lawmaker maintained that he secured the majority of votes across the district and insisted that the declared results do not reflect the true decision of party members at the grassroots.
Nwoko also revealed that his decision to defect to the APC was based on specific assurances allegedly made by party leaders, including Abdullahi Ganduje.
According to him, the promises included an automatic ticket, power-sharing arrangements, dissolution of the state executive committee, and the integration of defectors into the party structure.
He claimed those assurances were never fulfilled.
“I certainly was told before I came into the party that there would be an automatic ticket for me. Why would I leave just like that without ensuring that I have a secure something?” he stated.
The senator further warned that he would reject any decision upheld by the APC national leadership if it contradicts what he described as the genuine mandate of party members in Delta North.
The development adds to growing tensions within the Delta APC ahead of the next phase of the party’s internal political processes.