ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ned Nwoko has declared that he is awaiting the official announcement of the Delta North Senatorial primary election results by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing confidence that he will emerge victorious when the party concludes its review of the disputed exercise.
The lawmaker, who currently represents Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said his return to the Senate in 2027 remains certain despite the controversy that has trailed the party’s primary election.
Nwoko’s position comes amid growing tension within APC ranks in Delta North, where rival camps have continued to lay claim to victory following the primary election, while party authorities are yet to make an official declaration.
In a brief statement, the senator said he remained confident in the party’s internal processes and was prepared to wait for the National Working Committee to complete its assignment regarding the contested outcome.
The delay in the announcement of the authentic winner has sparked intense political discussions within the APC, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments ahead of the party’s final decision.
Party sources, however, believe Nwoko currently enjoys a strategic advantage in the unfolding contest, citing factors ranging from incumbency and party loyalty to his visibility within the APC and at the national level.
According to insiders familiar with ongoing consultations, discussions among influential party stakeholders have increasingly centred on the candidate considered best positioned to strengthen the APC’s prospects in Delta North ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Many within the party reportedly view Nwoko’s status as the incumbent senator as a major advantage, arguing that replacing a serving lawmaker who remains politically active and electorally visible could present avoidable challenges for the party.
One source familiar with internal deliberations said Nwoko’s political structure, grassroots presence and legislative platform have continued to strengthen his position within the APC.
“Senator Nwoko has the structure, the visibility and the legislative platform. From a strategic perspective, many people are asking why the party would want to weaken an existing advantage,” the source stated.
Political observers also point to Nwoko’s advocacy for the creation of Anioma State as one of the factors that have enhanced his profile across Delta North and earned him goodwill among key stakeholders within and outside the party.
His supporters argue that the Anioma campaign has become a defining political cause that resonates strongly with many constituents and has elevated his national relevance.
Another factor believed to be working in his favour is his longstanding membership and loyalty to the APC before the recent influx of high-profile defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Some party faithful reportedly maintain that recognising the contributions of long-serving APC members would send a positive signal to grassroots supporters who have remained committed to the party through challenging periods.
Within party circles, concerns have also been expressed over the implications of sidelining established APC leaders shortly after the arrival of prominent political figures from rival parties.
Although former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, remains a formidable political figure with extensive experience in governance and electoral politics, some stakeholders argue that his recent entry into the APC may not outweigh the advantages associated with Nwoko’s incumbency and longstanding involvement in the party’s structure.
“There is a difference between joining a party and building political capital within that party. Many people at the national level understand that distinction,” another party insider said.
Sources further noted that Nwoko’s legislative activities, constituency projects and advocacy initiatives have helped maintain his prominence in national political discourse over the past three years.
For many APC stakeholders, the central issue remains the need to preserve party cohesion and strengthen its electoral chances in Delta State as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
While the contest remains unresolved and the final decision rests with the party’s National Working Committee, political observers believe Nwoko remains strongly positioned as the APC moves closer to determining its candidate for the Delta North Senatorial District.
For now, attention remains fixed on the APC leadership, whose eventual pronouncement is expected to bring clarity to one of the most closely watched political contests in Delta State.
