Constituents of Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North (Anioma) have said his decision to quit the People?s Democratic Party, PDP, was in the paramount interest of the Anioma people.

Tonnie Oganah, a legal practitioner; Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, and others who spoke to Sunday Vanguard in Asaba said the lawmaker consulted widely before ditching the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

But a PDP leader and Chief Strategist to the Governor of Delta State, Dr Festus Okubor, advised Nwoko to resign his seat in the Senate and run a fresh election because he got the position on the PDP platform.

He consulted extensively and astutely ? Oganah

Oganah said, ?Prince Nwoko?s movement to the APC is about wanting the best for our people because the APC is fully supportive of the Anioma State creation and direct empowerment of all local government areas with the allocation of monies straight to the local government areas, the closest tier of government to the people.?

?He consulted widely and wisely before leaving PDP for APC, and the people approved. Anioma supported PDP for years with little to show, and it is hoped th?t the APC will create a state for all our people to benefit, regardless of educational status, local government origin, or financial ability.

?A new state brings new jobs, contracts, and opportunities for all, as no person can occupy more than one position at a time. Nwoko will also retain his seat because our constitution allows legislators to move to another party if their old party is divided at the national level like the PDP is today. Nwoko?s defection is life more abundant for Anioma people at all levels.?

Expecting official declaration for APC? Odogwu

Odogwu, on his part, asserted: ?Senator Nwoko gave cogent reasons for his resignation in his letter to the Chairman of the PDP in Aniocha North. He said that he could not in all good conscience continue to represent our people and fulfil his promises to his constituents under the current divisive and politically polluted environment of the PDP both at the national and state levels.?

?As an Anioma stakeholder who strongly believes in the strategic leadership of Nwoko, I do not doubt that his decision is in the best interest of Anioma people, and I will continue to support him to deliver the dividends of democracy to Ndi Anioma under the umbrella of any party of his choice.

?For him and me, it is always about what is best for our people. I, therefore, look forward to his formal declaration for the APC.?

Votes for PDP took Nwoko to Senate ? Okubor

Firing at Nwoko, Okubor, the Chief Strategist to the State Governor, stated: ?We are practicing party-based democracy; there is no room for indiscipline. Nwoko should be humble enough to act with integrity by resigning from the Senate and going for a fresh election in his new party. The votes that took you to the Senate belong to the PDP, as the Supreme Court. Had long decided.?

?The Supreme Court also clarified what it means for a party to be factionalized. PDP is not factionalized. It has only one National Executive Council. It will amount to dishonor to attempt to go with the votes of the PDP. Drop it and prove your popularity. Act honourably.?

Vacate NASS seat?Imonina, ex-APC spokesperson

A former APC spokesman in Delta State, Sylvester Imonina, said: ?While I concede to the fact that Sen. Ned Nwoko has the right to associate with anyone, group of people, and/or political group of his choice, his defection is an affront to Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.?

?The proviso to the said section does not help him in any way because PDP does not have factions at the state or national levels; PDP does not have a different state, National Working Committee, or executive committee. The only issue at the national level is political differences between two people laying claim to the position of the National Secretary of the party.

?The Court of Appeal had given legal imprimatur to the removal and/or cessation of the former secretary; now that Ned Nwoko has defected to the APC, the honorable thing for him is to vacate his seat at the National Assembly.

?The votes that took him there belong to PDP, not APC. If he does not vacate the seat, I urge PDP to put machinery in motion for his removal. The action of Ned Nwoko is against constitutional democracy, and the same should not be allowed to stand.

?Also, what he had done is a political coup? d??tat against the majority of his constituents who believe in PDP programs and leadership style.?

Toxic, good riddance?Prof. Muoboghare, Chief Magege

A former Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, muttered, ?Some people defect from one party to infect another party; some defectors are very toxic.? Chief Olori Magege, a political leader, pointed out that his exit was ?good riddance.?

Delta APC welcomes defected senator

Meanwhile, APC in Delta State welcomed Nwoko into its fold. The publicity secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, said in a statement, ?The state chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, on behalf of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, warmly welcomes the news of the defection of Senator Ned Nwoko from the People?s Democratic Party (PDP) to our great party.?

?This significant move underscores a growing recognition of the APC as the party of choice for progressive and forward-thinking leaders in Delta State and throughout Nigeria.

?Senator Nwoko?s decision to join the APC is a testament to his commitment to the development and welfare of our people. His extensive experience, exemplary leadership, and dedication to public service will undoubtedly strengthen our party and enhance our collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformative change in Delta State.

?As we prepare for his official entry into our party, we are confident that Senator Nwoko?s contributions will strengthen our party and help drive the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promoting good governance, accountability, and economic development in Delta State.

?We look forward to working collaboratively with him and all our party members to achieve our common goals. We call on all members of the APC and our supporters to join us in welcoming Senator Ned Nwoko to the party.? (Sunday Vanguard)

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