Delta North APC Stakeholders Dispute Okowa’s Claims of Victory
Stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District have publicly rejected what they describe as a “self-declared victory” by former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. They assert that Senator Ned Munir Nwoko won the party’s Senate primaries convincingly across the constituency.
In a statement issued by the Ned Nwoko Media Office, Public Relations Officer Emma Eboh criticized Okowa for allegedly undermining the party’s established procedures by declaring himself the winner prior to the official collation and announcement of results.
The statement emphasized that the APC’s national organizing secretary had previously stipulated clear guidelines for conducting the primaries. These include ward collation, local government collation, designated constituency centers, and a final submission of results to the party’s national headquarters.
“Only the national committee has the authority to officially announce the results,” the official declared. The statement condemned Senator Okowa’s actions as a violation of party guidelines, asserting it was a calculated attempt to sway public perception ahead of due process.
According to the officials, preliminary results from various wards in Delta North indicate that Senator Nwoko has established a significant lead. They argue these figures reflect a consistent voting pattern and widespread support for Nwoko throughout the district.
The group dismissed Okowa’s claims as “propaganda-supported fiction,” claiming that the actual results collected contradict the narrative he has presented. Specific figures were cited from multiple wards, including Nwoko West Ward 7, where Nwoko received 1,281 votes while Okowa garnered only 26. In Ward 10, Idomuesa, North East Ika, Nwoko reportedly secured 2,719 votes compared to Okowa’s 13 votes.
Supporters also noted results from Oshimiri South 6th Ward, where Nwoko allegedly received 5,398 votes against Okowa’s 53, and Oshimiri South 5th Ward, which showed Nwoko receiving 4,642 votes to Okowa’s 101. The stakeholders asserted that the results clearly favor Nwoko and urged the APC national committee to uphold the integrity of the process and reflect the true will of the party members.
Further complicating the situation, stakeholders alleged that the primaries were marred by violence and intimidation aimed at suppressing support for Nwoko in certain areas. A party member identified as Igerige Chuknomnazu claimed that intimidation tactics were employed against voters, particularly in Ward 9 of Obialuku, Ukwani Local Government Area, where the counting process was allegedly manipulated.
According to reports, several supporters of Chuknomnazu and Nwoko sustained injuries during these incidents and required hospital treatment. Additionally, a participant known only as Ernest was reportedly stabbed in Ward 8 of Aniocha North Local Government Area. The group stated that video and photographic evidence of the violence exists.
The statement further highlighted how violence disrupted activities at Anzai Elementary School in Ward 3, prompting police officers to withdraw for safety reasons. Stakeholders characterized the situation as a “systematic effort aimed at suppressing genuine voter expression,” urging the APC National Committee to step in and restore order.
“The integrity and credibility of the APC is at stake,” they noted, adding, “This is about more than a primary; it’s about preserving democracy within the party against political manipulation.” The stakeholders called on APC leadership to dismiss what they termed the “fabricated narrative” and ensure that the final results accurately reflect the primary’s outcome.
“We urge the party’s leadership to act in a transparent, fair, and just manner,” they stated. “The will of APC members throughout Delta North must not be compromised. Senator Ned Nwoko won a landslide victory, and the facts in each ward substantiate this claim.”
