The APC in Delta North is embroiled in crisis after Senator Ned Nwoko’s second term endorsement sparked internal division and leadership pushback
The endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term by a group of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Delta North Senatorial District has triggered a deep rift within the party, exposing underlying tensions and prompting internal backlash.
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The senator, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, received a resounding show of support on June 14, 2025, from a forum of APC ward and local government chairmen across the nine local councils in the district.
The endorsement took place at his country home in Aniocha North and was attended by key stakeholders, including Delta North APC Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka.
Supporters hailed the meeting as a demonstration of unity and a declaration of confidence in Nwoko’s leadership.
However, controversy quickly erupted following reports that Eluaka, under pressure from unnamed party forces, disowned the endorsement and moved to dissolve the forum responsible for it.
Eluaka, while distancing the party from the action, described the pro-Nwoko group as an “unauthorised and unconstitutional body,” citing the need to preserve internal order and uphold proper party protocol.
In a swift counter-response, APC leaders and executives in Aniocha North, Nwoko’s home base, reaffirmed their “unalloyed support” for his re-election bid.
In a jointly signed statement, they accused those opposing the endorsement of “political mischief” and alleged that external influences were driving the dissent.
They also praised the Aniocha North APC Chairman, Mr Matthew Chinye, for his refusal to join the rebellion, calling him a “principled leader” whose stance reflects the will of the grassroots.
This group is an unauthorised and unconstitutional body.
“We commend our chairman for standing on the side of truth and the will of the people,” the statement read. “His principled stand against the misguided opposition within the party underscores his commitment to credible leadership.”
Speaking on the controversy, Senator Ned Nwoko insisted that the endorsement was legitimate and widely supported.
He noted that over 7,000 party faithful attended the stakeholders’ meeting, which he described as the Delta North APC monthly convergence.
“All the leaders were present, including the state chairman, senatorial chairman, and members of the state working committee,” he said.
“A vote of confidence was passed on the President, the Governor, and myself, and no one raised any objection during the voice vote.”
He dismissed attempts by three local government chairmen to challenge the endorsement, claiming they signed the dissent document without consulting their local executives.
“They were at the meeting and raised no objection. They have no standing to contest what was a collective decision,” Nwoko stated.
As the fallout continues, the situation reflects a broader identity crisis within the Delta North APC, with questions arising over the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Analysts say the development could test the strength of party discipline in the state and shape the region’s political future.
