Deputy Gov, Nwoko in dispute over APC leadership in Delta North

A new conflict has surfaced within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, as Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and Senator Ned Nwoko vie for leadership of the party in the Delta North Senatorial District.

Tensions heightened ahead of an important APC meeting scheduled for June 14 at Nwoko’s residence, with Onyeme challenging Nwoko’s claim to the party’s leadership role in the area.

Nwoko, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier this year, is regarded by some party members as the senior APC figure in Delta North.

Onyeme, also hailing from the same district, insists that the position of political convener traditionally belongs to the deputy governor.

His Press Secretary, Fidelis Egugbo, released a statement citing past practices to support Onyeme’s stance.

“In previous administrations, the deputy governor played a key role in organizing political meetings within the district,” the statement read. “It is now expected that Sir Monday Onyeme assumes this unifying position within the APC and arranges a private meeting with Senator Nwoko to avoid internal divisions.”

Egugbo referred to earlier administrations, noting that during Chief James Ibori’s government, political gatherings were typically held at the Obior home of then-deputy governor Chief Benjamin Elue.

This practice reportedly continued during former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s tenure with the late Prof Amos Utuama.

Supporters of Nwoko, however, disagree. A senior APC official who spoke anonymously told The PUNCH, “Senator Nwoko is the highest-ranking APC official in Delta North, and party rules recognize him as the leader of the zone. Onyeme cannot assume this role simply because he is deputy governor.”

Repeated attempts to contact Senator Nwoko for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages remained unanswered.

The leadership dispute has reignited old tensions within the APC dating back to Nwoko’s exit from the PDP in February 2025, which was reportedly fueled by frustration over former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s alleged obstruction of his bid to lead the PDP senatorial group.

In the midst of this political turbulence, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has defended the recent political realignment that saw himself and other ex-PDP members join the APC, stating the move was intended to better position Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking through Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) Charles Aniagwu, the governor emphasized that the decision was made for progress, not to undermine the PDP.

“Our aim is not to weaken the PDP but to advance the development of Delta State,” Aniagwu said. “It became evident that the PDP was unlikely to succeed in the 2027 polls, prompting the shift to APC.”

Aniagwu also dismissed claims that the administration was losing its grip, assuring the public of continued dedication to delivering results.

To mark the administration’s second anniversary, several infrastructure projects are slated for completion, including the Beneku Bridge, Ishiagu-Ewulu Road, erosion control efforts in Okpanam, and upgrades to health facilities in Asaba, Warri, and Oghara.

As of now, all attention is focused on the June 14 APC meeting to determine whether it will resolve the ongoing leadership dispute between Onyeme and Nwoko or further deepen divisions within the party.