Tension In Delta APC As Ned Nwoko’s Second Term Endorsement Splits Party

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Delta North Senatorial District has been thrown into crisis following the controversial endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term in office.

The endorsement, which a group of local government and ward chairmen made during a meeting at the senator’s country home on June 14, 2025, has ignited a war of words and a power struggle within the party.

The initial endorsement was carried out during a gathering that included ward and local government chairmen from the nine local councils of Delta North.

The event, held at Nwoko’s country home in Aniocha North, was attended by notable figures, including the Delta North APC Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka.

However, days after the endorsement, cracks began to show. According to Punch, pressure from unnamed party stakeholders led Eluaka to disown the endorsement and dissolve the forum that backed Nwoko’s return bid.

Eluaka described the group as an “unauthorised and unconstitutional body,” citing a need to restore order within party ranks.

Refusing to back down, APC leaders in Aniocha North, Nwoko’s home base, issued a strongly worded statement reaffirming their support for the senator.

The statement, jointly signed by party elders and executives, also praised Aniocha North APC Chairman, Matthew Chinye, for refusing to join other Delta North chairmen in rejecting the endorsement.

It reads, “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.”

Nwoko, in his reaction to the counter-endorsement, 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.

He said, “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.”