A serious internal rift has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District following the contentious endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term in office.
The controversy stems from a meeting held on June 14, 2025, at Nwoko’s residence in Aniocha North Local Government Area, where ward and local government chairmen from the nine LGAs in Delta North gathered to express support for the senator's re-election bid. Among the notable attendees was Chief Adizue Eluaka, the Delta North APC Chairman.
However, what was initially presented as a united show of support has since devolved into a bitter dispute within the party. According to Punch, Eluaka has now distanced himself from the endorsement, reportedly under pressure from unnamed party stakeholders who expressed disapproval of the move. In response, Eluaka dissolved the forum that initiated the endorsement and dismissed the group as an “unauthorized and unconstitutional body.”
“The endorsement was not carried out in line with party rules or due process. It is important we restore discipline and unity within our ranks,” Eluaka reportedly said.
The backlash has triggered a factional war within the party, especially in Aniocha North, Ned Nwoko’s political stronghold. In a swift counter to Eluaka’s disavowal, APC leaders and elders in the area issued a strongly-worded statement reaffirming their support for the senator’s second-term ambition.
The statement also hailed Matthew Chinye, the Aniocha North APC Chairman, for standing firm in defense of the endorsement, even as other local government chairmen appeared to retreat under pressure.
“We commend our chairman for standing on the side of truth and the will of the people. His principled stand against the misguided opposition within the party reflects his dedication to credible and courageous leadership,” the statement read.
Senator Ned Nwoko, reacting to the internal crisis, insisted that the endorsement was not only legitimate but also broadly representative of party consensus in the district. He described the June 14 gathering as the monthly APC stakeholders’ meeting, which had over 7,000 party members in attendance, including top figures in the party hierarchy.
“This was not a private gathering. The state chairman, senatorial chairman, members of the state working committee, all nine local government chairmen and their executives, ward chairmen, party elders, and elected officials were present,” Nwoko said.
He added that the endorsement was formally adopted following a motion of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, the Delta State Governor, and himself.
“A vote of confidence was moved and unanimously passed. No objections were raised, including by the three chairmen who later disowned the endorsement. Their decision to sign a counter-document without consulting their executives is both irresponsible and inconsequential,” he stated.
The unfolding drama has deepened divisions within the Delta North APC, raising concerns over the party’s internal cohesion as it heads into the 2027 general elections. Analysts say the leadership’s next steps will be critical in either mending rifts or further fracturing the party’s structure in the senatorial district.
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