Leadership Tussle Looms in Delta APC as Okowa, Elumelu Conspicuously Absent from Nwoko-Hosted Meeting

A recent All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and stakeholders meeting hosted by Senator Ned Nwoko at his country home, Idumuje Ugboko, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, has sparked fresh speculation about internal rifts within the party, particularly following the notable absence of key figures like the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, the current Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, and former House of Representatives member, Ndudi Elumelu.

The meeting, which convened on Saturday, June 14, saw a significant turnout of APC chieftains, leaders, elders, youths, members, and supporters from across the Delta North senatorial district. Its primary objective was to foster stronger unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections and to reaffirm commitment towards the long-standing aspiration for the creation of Anioma State from the present Delta State.

Senator Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, addressed the gathering, assuring attendees that the process for Anioma State creation was well on course. He announced plans to inaugurate a technical committee to accelerate the process and outlined a visitation tour of all nine local government areas in Delta North in July to directly engage constituents. Nwoko emphasized his dedication to public service and reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence in the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

However, the conspicuous absence of prominent political figures, especially those with past or present ties to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now within the APC fold like Monday Onyeme (who recently defected to APC), raised eyebrows. Sources indicate that leadership issues between Ifeanyi Okowa, Monday Onyeme, and Senator Ned Nwoko have persisted, even transitioning from their days in the PDP to the current APC landscape.

Indeed, weeks before the meeting, Deputy Governor Onyeme, who reportedly claims leadership of the APC in Delta North senatorial district according to party constitution, had publicly questioned the rationale behind fixing the APC meeting at Senator Nwoko’s private residence. This query highlighted an underlying power struggle within the party’s Delta North chapter. Of the three current House of Representatives members from the zone, only Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie was reported to be present at the gathering, further underscoring the perceived divide.

Despite the notable absences, attendees passed a unanimous vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ned Nwoko, signaling an effort to consolidate political influence. Prominent voices at the meeting included Delta APC Chairman Chief Omeni Sobotie, NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Almona Isei of Ukwuani, and former lawmaker Engr. Doris Uboh. Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, also called for the reconciliation of aggrieved members to strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

The gathering at Senator Nwoko’s residence served as a pivotal platform for regional political dialogue, a renewed push for Anioma State creation, and strategic preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections, amidst ongoing internal dynamics within Delta APC.