The campaign organisation of Senator Ned Nwoko has alleged that the recently concluded Delta North senatorial primary election was driven by “politics of exclusion,” claiming the process was designed to weaken the senator’s growing political influence in the region.
The organisation further stated that former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was not the senator’s primary political challenge, insisting that the real opposition came from entrenched political interests within the state.
In a statement issued by the campaign’s Legal Adviser, Dr. Amaechi Okoba, the group alleged that certain individuals within the Delta State political establishment were uncomfortable with Senator Nwoko’s increasing popularity, particularly over his advocacy for the creation of Anioma State.
According to the statement, supporters of the senator believe efforts to undermine him began long before the primary election. The organisation claimed that individuals perceived to be loyal to Nwoko allegedly faced difficulties in securing appointments within the state government.
The campaign also referenced concerns surrounding developmental projects, including the Okpai power initiative and repeated calls for the rehabilitation of the Onicha-Ugbo–Idumuje-Ugboko–Abuja Road, alleging that the projects did not receive adequate attention.
Okoba further stated that the growing agitation for Anioma State was viewed politically because its success could strengthen Senator Nwoko’s influence and legacy across Delta North.
The statement noted that Nwoko’s decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was motivated by his belief that a new political platform would provide better opportunities to attract federal projects and development programmes to Delta North.
The organisation claimed that since joining the APC, the senator has facilitated interventions in education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, youth empowerment, electrification, roads, and community development across the nine local government areas of Delta North.
The campaign maintained that the issue transcends personal political rivalry, stressing that democracy should focus on development, service delivery, and performance rather than efforts to suppress an individual’s political influence.
Okoba added that history would ultimately judge leaders by the impact of their leadership and the lives improved through governance rather than political battles.