Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against ignoring concerns surrounding the party’s Delta North senatorial primary, warning that unresolved issues could trigger serious political consequences in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking through his legal adviser, Chris Okobah, during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Nwoko alleged that the primary election was riddled with irregularities, intimidation, and violations of electoral procedures. He described the exercise as lacking credibility and failing to represent the true choice of party delegates.
The APC primary conducted on May 18, 2026, produced former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election. Official results showed Okowa polling 113,309 votes, while Ned Nwoko secured 2,612 votes and Maryam Ali received 40 votes.
However, Nwoko’s camp rejected the outcome, insisting that the announced figures did not reflect the actual events across the 98 wards in Delta North. Okobah claimed reports from party agents and ward officials indicated that Nwoko enjoyed widespread support among delegates.
He further alleged that the process was compromised even before voting commenced, accusing some party officials and electoral handlers of manipulating the exercise. According to him, accreditation and voting were reportedly disrupted in certain locations, while some results were allegedly prepared before voting started.
Okobah also accused unnamed political actors of using intimidation, inducements, and administrative influence to determine the outcome of the primary.
Despite the allegations, the senator’s camp said it would first seek resolution through the APC’s internal dispute mechanisms before considering legal action. Okobah stated that all lawful options would remain open if the party fails to address their complaints.
He warned that failure to resolve internal grievances could worsen divisions within the APC in Delta State.
