BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, has announced that the 25-year reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State will come to an end in the 2027 general elections.
Nwoko made this statement on Friday, February 22, 2025, in his hometown of Idumuje Ugboko, after his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Expressing excitement about joining the ruling party, Nwoko criticized the PDP for holding Delta “hostage” for a quarter of a century, claiming that the state had failed to experience the necessary development for meaningful economic growth.
He accused PDP leaders of prioritizing their personal interests and power retention over the well-being of the people.
Nwoko, who chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation and the Senate Ad-hoc Committee investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, stated that the PDP’s control of the state had left the people with no choice but to endure stagnation.
He stressed that the party’s focus on self-perpetuation in power had deprived Delta of real political competition.
“Imagine 25 years of PDP in Delta; there’s been no competition. For them, it’s business as usual,” he said, contrasting the situation with the political practices in the United States, where power alternates between parties to ensure progress. Nwoko vowed to end this “slavery” in Delta, announcing that he had found an alternative in the APC.
Nwoko also emphasized that his primary goal as a senator is to improve the lives of his constituents.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the offer of a Land Cruiser and N10 million monthly from the governor, stating that the funds should be used for the people rather than for self-interest.
He made it clear that he would not accept such offerings if they were not directly benefiting his constituents.
The senator outlined four major projects he aims to achieve during his tenure, including the construction of the Oko road (costing at least N28 billion), the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku dam, and the development of the Okpai power plant stepdown. However, his most passionate focus is the creation of Anioma State.
Nwoko believes that establishing Anioma State will free Delta North from the constraints of PDP governance and bring greater autonomy and opportunities to the region.
He criticized the state government’s reluctance to support the creation of Anioma State, accusing PDP leaders of brainwashing the people and preventing open discussions on the matter.
Despite this, Nwoko expressed confidence that with the support of APC leaders at both state and federal levels, Anioma State would eventually be realized, ensuring freedom for Delta people.
Nwoko’s message is clear: the PDP’s dominance in Delta will end, and he is committed to working for the betterment of his constituents and the realization of Anioma State.
