The endorsement of the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate, Ned Nwoko, for a second term has sparked sharp division within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the district.

Party leaders in Aniocha North, Nwoko’s home base, reaffirmed their support, while the senatorial leadership moved to disown the endorsement.

On June 14, 2025, Nwoko was endorsed by a forum of APC local government and ward chairmen from the nine local councils of Delta North during a meeting held at his country home.

The gathering, attended by key figures, including the Delta North APC Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka, was hailed by supporters as a show of strength and unity.

However, the development quickly turned controversial. Within days, pressure from unnamed party stakeholders reportedly forced Eluaka to dissociate from the endorsement, leading to the abrupt dissolution of the forum that championed Nwoko’s return bid.

Eluaka described the group as an “unauthorised and unconstitutional body,” claiming the move was to restore order and discipline within party ranks.

In defiance, APC leaders and executives in Aniocha North doubled down on their endorsement of Nwoko, accusing detractors of political mischief and external influence.

In a statement jointly signed by the party’s executives and elders, the party reaffirmed its “unalloyed support” for Nwoko’s return to the Red Chamber, citing his visible achievements and people-oriented approach to governance.

The APC leaders also commended the Aniocha North APC Chairman, Mr. Matthew Chinye, for dissociating himself from a recent move by some party chairmen in Delta North who attempted to challenge Nwoko’s endorsement.

“We commend our chairman for standing on the side of truth and the will of the people.

“His principled stand against the misguided opposition within the party underscores his commitment to credible leadership,” the statement added.

Reacting to the counter-endorsement, Nwoko said over 7,000 party faithful attended the stakeholders’ meeting with all the leaders, including the state chairman, the senatorial chairman and all state working committee in attendance.

“The event was Delta North APC stakeholders’ monthly meeting. Over 7,000 party faithful attended with all the leaders, including the state chairman, the senatorial chairman and all state working committee members from Delta North, all none local government chairmen and their executives, the ward chairmen and their executives, party elders, House of Representatives member, myself and host of others.

“Motion was moved and adopted for a vote of confidence for Mr. President, the governor and myself. It was a complete yes when put to voice vote.

“These three recalcitrant local government chairmen were there and didn’t object. The document they signed was without consulting their local government executives. They are not in any position to challenge the endorsement,” he said. (The PUNCH)