By Julius Oweh
An African proverb teaches that a fruit-bearing tree attracts stones. In politics, this rings even truer, success inevitably draws both admiration and opposition.
In Delta State, no figure better exemplifies this paradox than Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the vibrant voice of Delta North in the National Assembly.
A Bold Legislative Trail
Since his election to the Senate in 2023, Senator Nwoko, an accomplished international lawyer and celebrated philanthropist, has aggressively pursued a transformative legislative agenda. His unwavering commitment to the people of Anioma and Nigeria at large is unmistakable.
Records show that Nwoko boasts the highest number of sponsored bills in the current National Assembly. These span critical sectors including education, healthcare, water infrastructure, and electricity.
Notably, two standout initiatives are the proposed upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba to a Federal University of Technology, and the historic push for the creation of Anioma State.
His campaign against drug abuse and efforts toward youth empowerment have gained national traction. For some, these achievements inspire hope; for others, particularly political rival, they provoke envy. Sadly, it is the latter group that now seeks to cast stones where applause is due.
From Asaba to Abbi, Aboh to Ogwashi Uku, Kwale, Ibusa, Agbor, Ilah, Igbodo, and beyond, Senator Nwoko has visibly impacted lives across Delta North within just one year.
The Strategic Shift to APC
Senator Nwoko made headlines as the first high-profile politician in Delta State to defect from PDP to APC, a political earthquake that sent shockwaves throughout the region.
His defection did not just rattle the PDP, it dismantled it. With all three senators in Delta now in APC, Nwoko’s move has redefined the political map of the state.
Attempts by the PDP to reverse this via legal means collapsed swiftly. Former critics have since reversed course, echoing new praises.
Today, many of the once-loyal PDP faithful have pitched their tents under the APC banner, thanks to Nwoko’s political foresight.
The Delta North APC Meeting
On June 14, Senator Nwoko hosted the Delta North APC Senatorial Meeting at his country home in Idumuje Ugboko. The gathering was a major success, attracting thousands of party stakeholders.
A vote of confidence was passed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ned Nwoko.
More importantly, the attendees adopted the trio as the party’s preferred candidates for the 2027 general elections—a bold but calculated declaration.
The Criticism That Followed
Unsurprisingly, not everyone was pleased. Some politicians who felt “too big” to attend the meeting unleashed their proxies to discredit an event that was properly convened under party rules.
The first to fire back was Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who questioned the legitimacy of the meeting and criticized the dissolution of the Forum of APC Delta North Local Government and Ward Chairmen.
However, Engr. Adam Emma Eboh, a prominent APC chieftain, came to the defence of the party leadership. He asserted that Delta North APC Chairman, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka, acted within his constitutional powers.
Eboh stated:
“The APC Constitution does not recognize the dissolved bodies. The senatorial chairman acted lawfully to ensure order, discipline, and cohesion in the party.”
He advised Nwaoboshi to demonstrate party loyalty by respecting established structures and authorities.
Soon after, Dr. Festus Okubor, another political actor, voiced disapproval of the meeting, claiming it lacked due process.
Eboh swiftly dismissed these claims, describing them as afterthoughts, misrepresentations, and alarmist rhetoric.
He further criticized Okubor’s ignorance of the APC constitution, warning that careless public commentary by political newcomers could sow unnecessary discord.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The political terrain in Delta North is evolving, and Senator Ned Nwoko stands firmly at its center. While some within APC may pretend otherwise in public, they privately acknowledge his vast political capital and growing dominance.
For these opponents, media propaganda has become the weapon of choice, but facts remain stubborn. With a rich legislative portfolio, bold leadership, and the championing of Anioma State, dislodging Nwoko from the Senate in 2027 may prove an impossible task.
As things stand, Ned Nwoko is the man to beat in the 2027 general elections.
Julius Oweh – The Pond News
