Supporters of Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents the Delta North (Anioma) Senatorial District, have strongly defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to them, the move is in the best interest of the Anioma people, and they believe it will bring about positive changes for the region.
As reported, Nwoko officially resigned from the PDP on Friday, citing deep internal divisions and irreconcilable factions within the party. He mentioned that these internal conflicts were severely hampering the party's ability to govern effectively and that it was no longer in a position to deliver the desired results for the people. His decision to switch parties comes after a period of growing frustration with the situation within the PDP, which Nwoko believes has failed to address the needs of his constituents.
In response to the defection, Asaba-based legal practitioner Tonnie Oganah shared his views with Vanguard, emphasizing that Nwoko had carefully considered his options and consulted widely before making the decision to leave the PDP for the APC. Oganah highlighted that Nwoko’s move is driven by his desire to secure the best possible future for the Anioma people, a sentiment that is widely shared among his supporters.
Oganah stated, “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 went on to explain that Nwoko had taken great care in consulting with various stakeholders in the region, and the consensus was that the move would ultimately benefit the people of Anioma. Oganah further emphasized that the APC's policies, particularly its support for the creation of Anioma State, align with the aspirations of the Anioma people, offering a bright future for the region.
“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 that the APC will create a state for all our people to benefit, regardless of educational status, local government origin, or financial ability," Oganah added. This sentiment is shared by many in Anioma, who believe that the PDP’s long-standing governance of the region has not yielded the necessary progress. Many are hopeful that the APC will bring about the change they have long desired.
“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,” Oganah explained. He further argued that the defection is in line with constitutional provisions and should not be seen as a betrayal, but rather as a strategic move that will benefit the Anioma people. According to Oganah, Nwoko’s defection to the APC signals a new era of growth and prosperity for Anioma, as the new state would create more opportunities for its people at every level.
Finally, Oganah concluded, “Nwoko’s defection is life more abundant for Anioma people at all levels.” He believes that the move will bring an influx of economic opportunities, create jobs, and foster the much-needed development that has been absent for many years under the PDP’s rule. The defection is seen by many as a chance for Anioma to finally realize its full potential and overcome the challenges that have long held the region back.