Senator Ned Nwoko has returned to Delta State and reaffirmed his determination to pursue through legal channels what he describes as his mandate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North senatorial contest.
Nwoko made the remarks on Friday after arriving at Asaba Airport, where he was received by supporters, according to a report on his arrival and his own account of the reception.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Nwoko said he remained an APC member and was pursuing a legal challenge involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was declared the winner of the party’s May 2026 Delta North senatorial primary.
“You know I’m in APC, and we are in court. I’m in court against Okowa, and we must reclaim the mandate given to me by the people,” Nwoko said.
“Okowa cannot be allowed to steal the mandate of the people,” he added.
The senator’s comments come against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute over the APC Delta North primary.
Nwoko has consistently rejected the outcome, maintaining that the primary did not reflect the mandate he said he received from party members.
However, a Federal High Court in Abuja struck out an earlier suit filed by Nwoko in July 2026, which sought to challenge Okowa’s emergence as the APC candidate.
Justice Mohammed Umar held that the case was fundamentally defective because it had been instituted through a person described as Nwoko’s attorney, rather than personally by the aspirant in the manner required by the relevant provisions.
The court consequently declined Nwoko’s application to amend the originating process and struck out the substantive case for want of jurisdiction.
The ruling did not determine the underlying merits of Nwoko’s allegations concerning the conduct or outcome of the primary.
A report published on Saturday also quoted Nwoko as reaffirming his APC membership and saying he remained committed to reclaiming the Delta North senatorial mandate through the legal process.
‘Back in Delta’
Following his arrival, Nwoko took to Facebook to express appreciation to those who came out to welcome him.
“Back in Delta and, as always, welcomed with so much love and warmth,” he wrote.
He thanked his supporters for their reception and said their encouragement remained important to him.
“I deeply appreciate everyone who came out to receive me and the many others who continue to stand with me. Your support, encouragement and goodwill never go unnoticed,” he said.
The senator also linked his political activities to his longstanding advocacy for the proposed creation of Anioma State, saying he remained committed to Delta North and the development of its people.
“I remain committed to Delta North, to the Anioma project and to the development of our people. The journey continues, and together, we will see it through,” he stated.
