Senator Ned Nwoko has openly accused the All Progressives Congress of betrayal after suffering a humiliating defeat in the Delta North senatorial primary.
The incumbent senator, who defected from the PDP to APC in early 2025, said party leaders assured him of an automatic ticket to secure his return in 2027. That promise, he claims, was discarded.
“I was told before I came into the party that there would be an automatic ticket for me,” Nwoko stated. “Why would I just leave without making sure that I have a secure ride?”
The primary held on May 18 delivered a crushing result. Former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa polled 113,309 votes against Nwoko’s 2,612. Videos from polling units showed Nwoko securing as few as three votes in some places.
Nwoko rejected the outcome outright. He alleged widespread manipulation by Delta State government forces, intimidation, and deliberate distortion of results. He insists he won in most wards and has submitted evidence to the party’s appeal panel.
Political observers note the irony. Nwoko abandoned a dominant PDP structure expecting easier passage in APC. Instead, he walked into a fierce contest where old loyalties and grassroots networks favoured Okowa.
This fresh political humiliation comes on the heels of Nwoko’s very public marital crisis with estranged wife Regina Daniels. Accusations of abuse, substance issues, and financial disputes have dominated headlines since late 2025, painting a picture of a man struggling on multiple fronts.
Critics on X described the loss as karma, with many mocking his decision to defect and linking his declining fortunes to the high-profile split. No pity has been spared in the court of public opinion.
APC insiders have dismissed Nwoko’s claims, insisting the process was fair and reflected genuine unpopularity. Delta State officials maintain Okowa’s victory signals strong internal support.
For Nwoko, the road ahead looks uncertain. A once-promising return ticket has turned into a bitter lesson in political trust and broken assurances. In Nigeria’s volatile politics, loyalty often proves transactional, and this time, the senator appears to have paid the price.
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