The lawmaker representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko, has disclosed that he left the Peoples Democratic Party because Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Ifeanyi Okowa did not give him space to function.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s aide, Mr. Fred Oghenesivbe, had accused Senator Nwoko of leaving the party over the fear of losing his PDP ticket in 2027.
In a swift reaction, Nwoko disclosed on Monday that he had left the party because Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Ifeanyi Okowa were against the creation of Anioma state.
He said, “I left because I want to be able to get the support of the ruling party in the creation of Anioma state.
“The governor and Okowa, who are the leaders of PDP, are against the creation of Anioma state. I sought the support of PDP National, but they have been embroiled in destructive fights and have been unable to show leadership.
“The governor made sure that I wasn’t allowed to function. He dismissed all the projects that we had discussed during the campaigns, citing a lack of funds.
“Okpai power plant and Ogwashi-Uku dam are examples. I wasn’t allowed to nominate any board members, commissioners, or local government chairmen. I had to join the ruling party so as to be able to attract projects to my constituency. Time is running.”
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, told journalists on Monday in Asaba that Nwoko’s defection was insignificant, saying it’s not a concern as a government.
“Remember that the same person defected to APGA in 2003, and PDP won the election; in 2011, the same person defected to DPP, and PDP won again; now he has left PDP, we are not bordered because PDP will win Delta North senatorial district in 2027.
“Our concerned now is to concentrate on governance; it’s not the time to play politics, but I do know that when the time comes, PDP will still win.”
