Delta North Senatorial District incumbent, Senator Ned Nwoko, has raised serious allegations of manipulation in the recent APC primaries in Delta State, claiming the state government skewed the process to favour certain candidates and undermine internal party democracy.
Speaking exclusively with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Nwoko described the exercise as “manipulated from day one,” asserting that transparency and fairness were lacking.
“The process was manipulated from day one. The State Government conspired to produce results that suited their preferred candidates,” he alleged.
The senator revealed that his team possesses copies of ward-by-ward results and video evidence from the primaries, all of which have been submitted to party authorities. He criticized the selective release of one video from Ika North East, showing Ifeanyi Okowa declared the winner in a single ward. “That video represents just one ward out of 98. The rest must be shown to ensure transparency,” Nwoko insisted.
Rejecting any outcome contradicting what he claims is the genuine mandate of party members, Nwoko stated, “I wouldn’t accept it because I have a mandate by the people.”
While addressing claims of intimidation and violence, he downplayed them as “isolated cases” affecting only about 10 of the 98 wards.
Reflecting on his move from the PDP to APC, Nwoko cited restrictions on his legislative freedom and interference in decision-making under the former party. He argued that high voter turnout and comprehensive video evidence confirm widespread support for his candidacy across Delta State.
Confident that President Tinubu will intervene, he reiterated his commitment to the party: “I’m not working against the party, but I am confident the President will intervene in this matter.”
Highlighting internal party tensions in Delta, Nwoko accused new entrants from the PDP of sidelining long-standing APC members and noted that promised power-sharing arrangements were never fully implemented.
Insisting he would not concede without reviewing the full ward results, Nwoko concluded, “How could you base your declaration on one ward? There are 97 other wards to consider.”