Fresh cracks have emerged within the Delta North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after party stakeholders openly challenged former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s claim of victory in the party’s senatorial primaries, insisting the exercise overwhelmingly favoured Senator Ned Munir Nwoko.
The development has heightened tensions within the party, with stakeholders accusing Okowa’s camp of attempting to shape public perception ahead of the official declaration by the APC National Committee.
In a strongly worded statement, the group warned that any attempt to impose results outside established party procedures could trigger deeper divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the stakeholders, the APC had already outlined clear guidelines for the conduct and collation of results, stressing that only the National Committee possesses the authority to announce the winner.
“The issue is no longer just about figures; it is about protecting the credibility of the party’s internal democratic process,” the statement noted.
The stakeholders claimed that ward-by-ward results from across Delta North showed Senator Ned Nwoko maintaining a commanding lead over Okowa in several strategic strongholds, including Oshimili South, Ukwuani, Ndokwa West and Ika North East.
Beyond the contest over results, the group also raised concerns over alleged violence, intimidation and disruption in some voting centres, describing the incidents as attempts to suppress support for Nwoko.
They cited reported attacks on party members in Ukwuani and Aniocha North LGAs, alleging that some supporters sustained injuries during clashes linked to the exercise.
Political observers say the dispute could test the APC leadership’s ability to manage competing power blocs in Delta State, especially as influential figures within the party continue to battle for control ahead of the next general election.
The stakeholders urged the APC National Committee to resist pressure and ensure that the final declaration reflects what they described as the “authentic verdict” from the grassroots.
Delta North APC Primary Deepens Crisis as Stakeholders Challenge Okowa’s Victory Claim
