Senator Ned Nwoko has said he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he had trouble working with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and ex-governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Nwoko officially announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 31 January.
The Delta North lawmaker cited deep divisions and factionalisation within the PDP as the primary reasons for his decision to leave the party, stating that the growing factions had become irreconcilable.
Oborevwori’s aide, Fred Oghenesivbe, had accused Nwoko of leaving the party over the fear of losing his PDP ticket in 2027.
Nwoko, however, countered on Monday, saying: “I left because I want to be able to get the support of the ruling party in the creation of Anioma state.
“The governor and Okowa, who are the leaders of PDP, are against the creation of Anioma state. I sought the support of PDP National, but they have been embroiled in destructive fights and have been unable to show leadership.
“The governor made sure that I wasn’t allowed to function. He dismissed all the projects that we had discussed during the campaigns, citing a lack of funds.
“Okpai power plant and Ogwashi-Uku dam are examples. I wasn’t allowed to nominate any board members, commissioners, or local government chairmen. I had to join the ruling party so as to be able to attract projects to my constituency. Time is running.”
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Asaba, Delta State Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the PDP would not miss Nwoko, who is married to movie star, Regina Daniels.
“Remember that the same person defected to APGA in 2003, and PDP won the election; in 2011, the same person defected to DPP, and PDP won again; now he has left PDP, we are not bothered because PDP will win Delta North senatorial district in 2027.
“Our concern now is to concentrate on governance. It’s not the time to play politics, but I do know that when the time comes, PDP will still will,” he said.
