Senator Ned Nwoko has rejected the outcome of the recent APC senatorial primary in Delta State, stating that he may seek legal redress while expressing confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could intervene in the dispute. Speaking on the controversy surrounding the senatorial primary, Nwoko alleged irregularities in the conduct of the exercise and maintained that the process did not reflect the will of party members.
The All Progressives Congress has continued preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party primaries taking place across several states. Internal disputes over delegate accreditation, voting procedures, and candidate emergence have remained common features of party contests in Nigeria.
In Delta State, political attention has focused on the APC senatorial primary following disagreements among aspirants and party stakeholders over the legitimacy of the exercise. Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, has publicly questioned the process and indicated that he would challenge the outcome through lawful means if necessary.
The development adds to broader conversations within political parties regarding internal democracy and dispute resolution mechanisms ahead of national elections.
Nwoko stated that the conduct of the APC senatorial primary fell short of expected standards and alleged that certain procedures were manipulated during the process. According to him, the exercise did not provide a fair platform for all aspirants participating in the contest.
Despite indicating readiness to pursue legal action, the senator said he still believed President Tinubu would intervene to ensure fairness and justice within the party. He expressed confidence in the President’s commitment to democratic principles and internal reconciliation.
Nwoko said, “I will go to court if necessary, but I believe President Tinubu will intervene because he stands for justice and fairness.”
The senator maintained that his decision was not driven by personal interest alone but by concerns about preserving credibility within the party structure. He argued that transparent primaries were important to maintaining confidence among party members and supporters.
Political observers note that disputes arising from primary elections often shape alliances and party cohesion ahead of general elections. The APC leadership is expected to rely on internal reconciliation mechanisms and legal processes where required to address emerging disagreements.
The dispute surrounding the APC senatorial primary may have implications for party unity in Delta State as preparations continue for the 2027 elections. Analysts say unresolved disagreements could affect mobilisation efforts and internal cooperation among party stakeholders.
The development also highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and internal democratic processes within political parties. Legal challenges arising from party primaries have historically influenced candidate lists and electoral strategies in Nigeria.
How the APC leadership responds to the matter could shape political dynamics within the Delta chapter of the party in the coming months.
