Ned Nwoko Camp Rejects Delta APC Primary, Demands Okowa’s Disqualification
Nwoko Camp Rejects Primary Outcome
FRESH controversy has erupted within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the 18th May Delta North Senatorial Primary Election, as the Campaign Organisation of Senator Ned Nwoko rejected the outcome and demanded the disqualification of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from the contest.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, the Director-General of the campaign organisation, Hon. Samuel Ekene Kerry, accused Okowa of allegedly violating directives issued by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) regarding the conduct and announcement of results from the senatorial primaries.
The organisation claimed that the former governor allegedly worked with some officials connected to the primary election process to secure what it described as an “illegal declaration” before the completion of verification and collation procedures expected to be handled by the party’s national leadership in Abuja.
According to the statement, the APC leadership had instructed that no official declaration should be made until the party completed its internal verification processes.
“The directive from the National Working Committee was clear and binding on all stakeholders involved in the primary election,” the statement said.
Claims Over Authentic Results
The Nwoko campaign further alleged that results obtained from various wards indicated that Senator Ned Nwoko emerged winner of the primary election.
It maintained that the senator and his supporters deliberately refrained from publicly declaring victory out of respect for party supremacy and established internal procedures.
The organisation accused Okowa of undermining internal democracy and attempting to manipulate the process for political advantage.
It further argued that the controversy surrounding the primary election represented a critical test for the APC’s commitment to fairness, discipline, and transparency ahead of future elections in Delta State.
Renewed Political Tensions
Beyond the immediate dispute over the primary election, the statement revisited political disagreements dating back to the 2023 presidential election cycle.
The organisation accused Okowa of allegedly abandoning the principles of Southern political unity after previously supporting power rotation to Southern Nigeria during meetings of Southern Governors while serving as governor.
According to the group, his eventual acceptance of the vice-presidential ticket under a Northern presidential candidate contradicted positions earlier canvassed by Southern political leaders.
The statement also praised President Bola Tinubu’s political leadership, claiming it prevented what the group described as wider constitutional and regional tensions during the 2023 election period.
Calls For Sanctions
The Nwoko Campaign Organisation urged the APC National Working Committee to immediately nullify the declaration allegedly favouring Okowa and sanction officials accused of violating party directives.
Among its demands were the formal disqualification of the former governor from the senatorial primary process and the recognition of what it called the authentic results showing Senator Ned Nwoko as winner.
Political analysts believe the dispute could deepen existing divisions within the APC in Delta State and potentially trigger prolonged legal and political battles over the legitimacy of the primary election.
Party leaders are yet to issue an official response to the allegations raised by the Nwoko camp.
