, exposing a sharp divide among party leaders in the district.){kind=link}
A recent endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term in the Senate has sparked internal disagreements within the Delta North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), exposing a sharp divide among party leaders in the district.
The endorsement took place on June 14, 2025, during a meeting held at Senator Nwoko’s country residence.
The gathering brought together local government and ward chairmen from all nine local councils in Delta North, and was initially seen by many as a show of party unity.
Among those present was Delta North APC Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka.
However, the move soon became a source of contention. Days after the endorsement, Eluaka retracted his support, reportedly under pressure from some influential figures within the party.
He disassociated himself from the group behind the endorsement, describing it as lacking official recognition and violating internal party processes.
The forum was swiftly disbanded, with Eluaka citing the need to restore discipline and internal order.
In a counter move, APC leaders in Aniocha North—Senator Nwoko’s local government—reaffirmed their backing for his return to the Senate.
In a statement signed by party executives and elders in the area, they praised Nwoko for his service and described him as a grassroots politician who has made significant impact through people-centered policies.
The group also applauded Aniocha North APC Chairman, Mr. Matthew Chinye, for refusing to support efforts aimed at questioning the senator’s endorsement.
“We commend our chairman for standing firm in defense of what reflects the wishes of the people. His stance shows integrity and leadership,” the statement read.
Reacting to the controversy, Senator Nwoko clarified that the gathering in question was a routine APC stakeholders’ meeting and not a campaign event.
He said more than 7,000 members attended, including the state and senatorial chairmen, local government and ward executives, elders of the party, a House of Representatives member, and other stakeholders.
Nwoko explained that the meeting ended with a voice vote, where attendees unanimously expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu, the state governor, and himself.
He noted that none of the dissenting chairmen raised objections during the meeting and criticized them for later signing a counter statement without consulting their constituencies.
“They were at the meeting and did not oppose the motion. What they did afterward was not done with the backing of their local executives, so it carries no weight,” the senator said.