The Senator representing Delta North senatorial district in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko, has given reasons for his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Nwoko had, on January 30, announced his official resignation from the PDP over what he described as the “deep division and fractionalisation within the party.”
In his resignation letter which was addressed to the PDP Chairman in Ward 8, Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, Nwoko also cited infighting, fragmentation and high-handedness exhibited by the leadership of the party as some of the reasons for his defection.
Part of the letter had read:
“My decision to resign from the PDP is first and foremost due to deep division and fractionalisation within the party.
“This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interest of our people.
“Just this January 29, the top party functionaries degenerated to the lowest levels by physically fighting themselves arising from the stated factions which have become irreconcilable.
“I also deeply appreciated the platform the PDP provided me to contest the 2023 senatorial election. It was an opportunity that allowed me to engage directly with the people of my constituency and present my vision for a brighter future.
“After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that stepping away from the PDP is necessary to fulfill my obligations to my people.
“While I bid farewell to my membership in the PDP, I assure all party members and my constituents of my unwavering dedication to statesmanship, unity, and advancement of Delta state.
“I extend my gratitude to the party and members for their support and wish the PDP continued success in its endeavours.”
However, while speaking with journalists at a press conference in Asaba, the state capital on Monday, Sen. Nwoko said he was forced to leave the PDP because of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s opposition to the creation of Anioma State out of the present day Delta State, which he has been championing.
Nwoko claimed that his quest for the creation of the state lacked the support of the PDP leadership, particularly from Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is also from Delta North senatorial district.
“I left the PDP because I want to be able to get the support of the ruling party in the creation of Anioma State. The governor and former governor, who are the leaders of the PDP, are against the creation of Anioma State,”
Nwoko also criticised the lack of funding for some projects he had promised his constituency during his electioneering campaign.
“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,” he lamented, adding that in order to bring projects to his constituency, he had to join the ruling party as time was running out for him to fulfil his promises to his constituents.
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