Elected and appointed political office holders from the Delta North senatorial district in delta State have resolved to adopt legal processes to reclaim the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), senatorial mandate from Senator Ned Nwoko, who has defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
This was the outcome of a meeting convened and presided over by the Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Onyeme said: “Delta North should remain a PDP-dominant senatorial district. We must consolidate our position as the main determinant for all elections in Delta State.”
The Deputy Governor also advised local government council chairmen to properly connect with the grassroots by complementing Governor Oborevwori’s More Agenda through projects that would add value to the lives of the people.
Nwoko formally defected to the APC from the PDP, under which he was elected in 2023.
In a resignation letter addressed to the party leadership in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, dated Thursday, January 30, 2025, Nwoko lamented the state of the PDP, citing deep divisions and irreconcilable factions as the primary reasons for his defection.
“My decision to resign is, first and foremost, due to the deep divisions and factionalisation within the party. This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interests of our people,” he said last week.
Sir Monday Onyeme
On Wednesday, 5 February, 2025, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Nwoko’s letter of defection to the APC during the plenary session.
Titled “Notice of Departure from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” the letter read:
“I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership of the PDP and consequently join the APC.
“This decision was not made lightly but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District. The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.
“These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.
“Mr President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voices of all Nigerians are heard. The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy.
“If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.
“In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an ad hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy. This committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms to ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation.
“Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate.”
