ASABA/Nigeria: Fresh controversy has engulfed the Delta North Senatorial primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the circulation of videos purportedly showing widespread support for incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko, amid claims that the officially declared results do not reflect the actual outcome of the exercise.
The disputed primary, conducted across the 98 wards of Delta North on May 18, 2026, produced results that reportedly gave former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, 113,309 votes, while Senator Ned Nwoko was credited with 2,613 votes. Another aspirant, Maryam Alli, was said to have polled 40 votes.
However, video footage released by Senator Nwoko’s office and shared on his official Facebook page has sparked fresh questions over the authenticity of the announced figures.
The videos captured scenes of party members voting, celebrating, singing campaign songs, and openly expressing support for Nwoko in several wards across the district, prompting calls from supporters and political observers for a thorough review of the election process.
Observers have argued that the declared results appear inconsistent with the scenes captured in the videos, particularly given the overwhelming margins recorded in favour of one candidate across virtually all wards.
In a statement issued on Sunday and titled, “Delta North APC Primaries: The Will of the People Cannot Be Overruled,” Senator Nwoko insisted that the figures announced by returning officers did not reflect the true outcome of the primary election.
“No individual declaration, announcement, or political maneuver can substitute for the lawful votes cast by accredited voters,” Nwoko stated.
The senator stressed that democracy must be anchored on transparency, due process and respect for the will of party members, expressing confidence that the APC’s internal mechanisms would ultimately deliver justice.
“My commitment has always been to the people of Delta North, whose overwhelming support continues to inspire our movement for progress, justice, and inclusive development,” he said.
He also urged his supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting the final position of the party on the disputed exercise.
“The mandate freely given by the people of Delta North is sacred, and together we will protect it,” he added.
Speaking further on the controversy, Nwoko alleged that the figures released to the public were misrepresented and did not accurately reflect voting patterns witnessed across the senatorial district.
Supporters of the senator pointed to several online videos which they claimed showed Nwoko securing strong support in numerous wards, including communities in Ika North East Local Government Area, widely regarded as a political base of his principal challenger.
Many of the clips showed party members celebrating what appeared to be victories for the incumbent senator, while chanting songs in support of his re-election bid.
Defending his stewardship at the National Assembly, Nwoko maintained that he had remained committed to advancing the interests of Anioma people through legislative representation and advocacy.
“I speak for the people all the time. The people of Anioma know who I am. I know them and I know their problems. These are things I’ve been addressing in the National Assembly,” he said.
Also reacting to the controversy, Nwoko’s lawyer, Barrister Anthony Ogana, argued during an interview on TVC News that many of the videos originated from communities within the Ika axis but still reflected substantial support for the senator.
“The videos showed that Ned won even in the stronghold of our major challenger,” Ogana stated.
He further contended that only the national leadership of the APC possesses the authority to ratify and officially declare the final outcome of the party’s primary election.
“As I speak to you now, APC national has not given any senator a certificate of return. It has only given a certificate of return to the president,” he said.
Ogana also alleged that certain interests within the party were uncomfortable with Nwoko’s strong advocacy for the creation of Anioma State and were working to frustrate his political aspirations.
According to him, the senator continues to enjoy significant grassroots support across Delta North because of his commitment to the Anioma cause and the broader development of the region.
He cited the situation in Anioma communities where, despite the presence of major national assets such as the Okpai Independent Power Plant in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, many communities still grapple with inadequate electricity supply.
“Election is about representation. Let our Anioma senator go back to the Senate and give us Anioma State. That’s what we are waiting for,” Ogana said.
As controversy continues to trail the Delta North APC primary election, party members and political observers are awaiting the position of the APC national leadership on the competing claims surrounding the exercise and its outcome.
