Ned Nwoko, a senator from the Delta North senatorial district, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of betraying him and breaking their pledge to grant him an automatic ticket.
According to Naija News, Nwoko received just 2,612 votes in the party primaries on May 18, while former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa received 113,309 votes.
In an interview with ARISE Television’s “Prime Time” program, Nwoko claimed that one of the promises made by the APC to entice him and help him leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was an automatic ticket.
Nwoko, who expressed shock at the defeat, insisted that previous APC chairman Abdullahi Ganduje had repeatedly assured him that he would represent the party in the general elections of 2027.
The Senator emphasized that there is proof that Okowa was the legitimate winner of the polls and further claimed that the May 18 election was manipulated in his favor.
“I definitely was informed before I entered the party that there would be an automatic ticket for me,” he stated. Why wouldn’t I make sure I had a safe ride before leaving like that?
“I was assured, along with others, that there would be talks about the party’s new structure, and we thought there would be a formula for sharing power. During our conversations with party leaders, we received assurances that a power-sharing mechanism would be implemented. For instance, we were informed that nominations would be made to allow the former APC to get a foothold in the government and that the state EXCO would be disbanded.
“The primary was won by us. Ifeanyi Okowa only provided evidence of a single ward that had a problem. I was present. I possess the proof. The video is with me. Someone who is innocent cannot be persuaded to confess. It’s not feasible. In 98 wards, we won the primary. No, I was unable to win his ward. I would be foolish to believe that I could win his ward.
