By Austin Oyibode
In a bold political maneuver aimed at deepening party cohesion and strengthening grassroots influence, leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District have announced the establishment of a high-powered Leadership Council.
At the forefront of this initiative is Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, who has been named chairman of the council, with Delta North APC Senatorial Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka, appointed as co-chair.
This was disclosed in a communiqué issued at the end of a strategic APC Delta North Senatorial meeting held on June 14, 2025, in Idumuje-Ugboko.
Reading the communiqué, former federal lawmaker Rt. Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai stated that the new structure is intended to enhance internal coordination, reinforce grassroots mobilization, and bridge divides across the nine local government areas of the district.
Under the plan, each LGA will nominate ten members to the council. In addition, automatic membership will be granted to all serving and former National Assembly members from the zone, former speakers of the Delta State House of Assembly, APC State and National Working Committee members, and all local government party chairmen. The formation, according to the communiqué, aligns with Articles 12 and 13 of the APC Constitution.
Beyond internal restructuring, the meeting signaled a sweeping alignment with key political figures.
In a unanimous resolution, the stakeholders passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ned Nwoko, an endorsement seen as a calculated attempt to consolidate influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator Nwoko, addressing the gathering, declared unequivocally that the proposed Anioma State is no longer a dream but a “done deal.”
He disclosed that seventy-five senators have thrown their weight behind the initiative, and that the process has advanced beyond committee consideration, with a public hearing scheduled for July 4 and 5 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A third reading in the Senate is expected to follow.
He further revealed plans to inaugurate a technical committee on June 15, to accelerate the process, and promised to tour all LGAs in Delta North in July to provide firsthand updates to constituents on the state creation efforts.
In a tone laden with political messaging, Nwoko praised both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, describing them as transformational leaders.
“Tinubu has done so much. Our governor is also doing well. We will support them,” he stated, effectively aligning with leaders across party divides.
Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie, representing Aniocha/Oshimili in the House of Representatives, underscored the necessity of collaboration across political and ethnic lines, calling for unity to advance shared goals.
Echoing the sentiment, APC stalwart Chief Emma Ejiofor called for active grassroots participation in the party’s membership registration drive and reiterated his full support for the Anioma State cause.
Chamberlain Dunkwu, speaking on behalf of the Ika people, declared unwavering loyalty to Senator Nwoko and President Tinubu.
“On Senator Nwoko’s mandate the people of Anioma shall stand,” he said, portraying the movement as a united front.
Ossai Nicholas Ossai reinforced this sentiment, describing the state creation effort as “a reality” and moving the motion for a vote of confidence in the three political figures—a motion that was met with resounding approval.
Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, emphasized the growing strength of the APC in Delta North and welcomed defectors from the PDP and Labour Party. He called for intra-party unity and openly backed Tinubu, Oborevwori, and Nwoko for second terms.
The meeting drew prominent APC figures including State Chairman Omeni Sobotie, NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Almona Isei of Ukwuani, and former House of Reps member Engr. Doris Uboh.
Significantly, the large turnout from all nine local government areas demonstrated the growing momentum behind the Anioma State movement and suggested a resurgence of APC strength in Delta North.
As legislative backing mounts, grassroots enthusiasm surges, and political endorsements align, the Anioma State initiative appears to be transitioning from aspiration to tangible political reality—redefining the dynamics of Delta North’s political landscape.
The next meeting by the zone’s rotation, is to hold in Ika Federal Constituency.
