BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
Delta State’s political landscape is undergoing a profound shift as Senator Ned Nwoko intensifies efforts to dismantle the long-standing dominance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
With the 2027 general elections in sight, Nwoko’s strategic realignments and growing grassroots appeal are signaling a potential turning point in the state’s political history.
Since his high-profile defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, has repeatedly criticized the PDP’s 25-year rule, branding it “inglorious” and rife with mismanagement. He argues that despite the trillions of naira received by the state in federal allocations and internally generated revenue, Delta remains underdeveloped and stagnant.
According to Nwoko, only a significant political shift, anchored by the APC, can usher in genuine development.
His message appears to be gaining traction, as recent political developments indicate a steady stream of defections from the PDP across all 25 local government areas.
The trend began subtly in Oshimili South, spread to Aniocha North, and intensified in Ika North East, where social media was flooded with resignation letters from PDP members pledging allegiance to the APC.
On Friday, April 11, the wave continued in Ukwuani Local Government Area, where a new batch of defectors openly declared support for Nwoko.
Political observers attribute this momentum to Nwoko’s visible performance in the Senate.
In just two years, he has earned a reputation for tangible constituency projects and accessibility, qualities that have endeared him to the electorate and set him apart from his predecessors.
For the first time since 1999, the PDP is confronting an internal crisis of unprecedented scale in Delta North.
Emergency meetings have been convened across the senatorial district as the party’s leadership attempts to stem the tide of defections.
Sources within Government House say Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is increasingly unsettled by the rising threat from the APC.
Tensions escalated further when images surfaced of Nwoko at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, posing with high-ranking figures such as former Deputy Governor Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, APC State Chairman Omeni Sobotie, Great Ovedje Ogboru, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
While Otuaro’s spokesperson dismissed speculations of a defection, calling the meeting “issue-based,” insider accounts suggest otherwise.
Investigative journalist Fejiro Oliver added fuel to the fire in a Facebook post, alleging that Nwoko had long brokered Otuaro’s political realignment.
Although earlier plans to defect were reportedly shelved due to timing, recent indicators point to Otuaro finally making the move, under Nwoko’s direction.
Such a defection would deal a heavy blow to the PDP, particularly in Delta South where Otuaro remains a political heavyweight.
In another development, a key PDP chieftain from Warri North, closely aligned with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, is rumored to be in advanced talks with Nwoko’s camp.
Despite publicly denying intentions to defect, political insiders claim the groundwork for a switch to the APC is underway.
The return of Great Ogboru to the APC has also been linked to Nwoko’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
Speaking to this reporter via WhatsApp, Nwoko confirmed his involvement in securing Ogboru’s return, a move seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate APC influence across the state.
With these coordinated defections and alliances, the APC is rapidly positioning itself as a formidable force in Delta politics.
Analysts note that the PDP’s once-unshakable dominance is under serious threat, with 2027 shaping up to be the most competitive election year in the state’s recent history.
As the political realignments continue, one thing is evident: Senator Ned Nwoko is emerging as a central figure in Delta’s unfolding political transformation, one that could redefine power dynamics and governance for years to come.
