APC Delta North Primary Crisis deepens as Ned Nwoko alleges manipulation and intimidation ahead of the party’s senatorial primary election
Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District in Nigeria, has raised serious concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election process in the zone ahead of the party’s forthcoming senatorial contest on Monday.
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The allegation, which has intensified what is now being described as the APC Delta North Primary Crisis, was contained in a statement issued by the Director General of his campaign organisation, Ekene Kerry.
According to the statement, Senator Ned Nwoko accused political actors within Delta State of deliberately working to frustrate what he described as the will of the people, claiming that efforts were being made to undermine his chances in the primary election.
The campaign organisation alleged that elements within the state government were mobilising to influence the outcome of the exercise in favour of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who recently joined the APC after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
It further claimed that Governor Okowa, who previously served as PDP Vice Presidential candidate, was allegedly being positioned to return to the Senate despite what Nwoko’s camp described as his rejection by voters in past elections.
The statement referenced the 2023 general elections, noting that Delta State recorded significant political shifts during the polls, with claims that Senator Nwoko secured support from voters across party lines.
It also alleged that certain individuals within the APC structure were attempting to dominate the party machinery and restrict open participation in the upcoming primary election.
His campaign team further claimed that officials assigned to oversee the primaries had been pressured, alleging interference in the electoral process and possible manipulation of results at local levels.
According to the statement, there were also concerns that directives from the APC national leadership to transmit results to Abuja could be undermined, in what it described as an attempt to control the outcome.
It additionally raised alarm over alleged intimidation of supporters, warning that such actions could heighten tensions within the senatorial district ahead of the exercise.
Despite the allegations, Senator Ned Nwoko urged his supporters to remain calm, participate peacefully in the process, and avoid provocation during the primary election.
He also called on the APC national leadership, security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a transparent and credible process that reflects the will of party members.
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The APC Delta North Primary Crisis continues to attract attention as political tensions rise between key contenders in the district ahead of the party’s selection process.
