By Austin Oyibode
Recent assertions by some members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that Senator Ned Nwoko’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was motivated by the upcoming 2027 elections have been firmly refuted by Dr. Michael Nwoko, the Senator’s Chief of Staff.
In an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) Prime Time Morning Show, Dr Michael Nwoko clarified that the Senator’s defection was not related to the 2027 elections but rather a strategic decision aimed at securing a platform where he could better fulfil his electoral promises to the people of Delta North.
Dr. Michael explained that Senator Nwoko’s primary concern has always been the welfare of the people who elected him into the Senate.
He said: “The Senator, driven by his commitment to his constituents, is eager to deliver on the promises made during his campaign”.
Dr. Nwoko emphasized that Senator Nwoko’s decision was motivated by his urgency to achieve these objectives, not by any personal or electoral ambitions for the future.
Dr. Nwoko expressed dissatisfaction with how the Senator had been treated by the PDP.
He noted that Senator Nwoko’s efforts to improve the lives of his constituents were being undermined by internal party dynamics and a lack of support from party leadership.
This treatment, according to Dr. Nwoko, left the Senator with no choice but to seek a new platform where his ability to deliver on his promises would not be hindered.
The Senator’s contributions to the PDP’s victory in the 2023 elections were also highlighted by Dr. Michael, who noted that Senator Nwoko was actively involved in the party’s campaign.
“The Senator had worked tirelessly, visiting all 98 wards in the senatorial district, campaigning for the governor and other party candidates,” Dr. Michael explained.
Dr. Nwoko stressed that, despite these efforts, governance in the state has not progressed in a manner that makes it possible for the Senator to fulfill the promises he made to the people of his constituency.
Among the key projects Senator Nwoko had focused on was the Okpai Power Plant, a critical infrastructure project that Dr Nwoko believes would provide significant benefits to the people of Delta North.
As a way of realizing the objective, Dr Michael said: “Senator Nwoko engaged relevant MDAs. He met with the minister of power and Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) with a view to looking into the power project in the zone and ensure it is brought to fruition
Dr. Nwoko also highlighted the Ogwashi Uku dam, a project that the Senator had attracted to the state during his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives.
While the dam is complete, it cannot be fully operational without the state government’s involvement in water reticulation.
Dr. Michael reiterated that the Senator’s defection was not connected to the 2027 elections but was rather a strategic move to ensure that the interests of Delta North and its people are prioritized.
He said: “The Senator’s goal therefore is to sever ties with a political environment where his efforts have been dismissed, and align with a party that is more supportive of his mission to improve the lives of his constituents.”
Dr. Michael emphasized the importance of the projects Senator Nwoko has championed, such as the Ogwashi Uku dam, which could provide water to over 60 communities in Delta North.
Despite these ideas being dismissed by the governor, Senator Nwoko remains committed to finding a way to make them a reality.
In a virtual appearance on the AIT show, Dr. Fred Latimore, Director General of Orientation and Communication Bureau, also spoke highly of Senator Nwoko, praising his tremendous connections, intentions to help the state, and his overall dedication to making Delta a better place for all its residents.
Senator Nwoko’s defection, therefore, represents more than just a political shift; it is a commitment to fulfilling his promises to the people of Delta North and ensuring that much-needed projects and development initiatives are brought to fruition for the benefit of the community.
