‘Nwoko Contested Against the System, Not Okowa’

Chuks Okocha in Abuja 

The Senator Ned Nwoko Campaign Organisation, has alleged that what took place at the just concluded Delta North senatorial primary election was a politics of exclusion as the election was targeted to eliminate Ned Nwoko over his rising political influence.

The campaign organisation also explained that the former governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was a mere canon fodder as Nwoko’s real political enemy was the established system in the state.

Nwoko’s campaign organisation said some persons in the state government were not happy with Nwoko’s rising influence on the creation of Anioma state.

In a statement by the Legal Adviser to the Ned Nwoko campaign organisation, Dr. Amaechi Okoba, it said, ”Many supporters of Senator Ned Nwoko believe that the political battle against him did not begin during elections but long before then. 

”They argue that a deliberate strategy was allegedly designed to weaken his influence and reduce his growing political footprint across Delta North. These concerns, appointments into state positions became difficult for individuals perceived to be associated with Senator Ned Nwoko. 

”Supporters also point to the prolonged debates surrounding projects such as the Okpai power initiative and the repeated appeals for the rehabilitation of the Onicha-Ugbo–Idumuje-Ugboko–Abuja Road, claiming these developmental demands were not given adequate attention.

”Also growing campaign for Anioma State was viewed through a political lens because of concerns that its success could significantly strengthen Senator Nwoko’s legacy and standing in the region.

”Feeling politically constrained, Senator Ned Nwoko eventually left the PDP for APC, believing a different platform would provide better opportunities to attract federal projects and development programs to Delta North. 

”His supporters maintain that since making that move, he has facilitated numerous interventions across education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, youth empowerment, roads, electrification, and community development across the nine local governments of Delta North.

”To many supporters, the issue goes beyond personalities and political rivalry. They argue that democracy should not become a contest where development is measured against political calculations. If projects are delayed because of fears of political advantage, then the real victims are not politicians but ordinary people.

”Political competition should be about ideas, service, and performance, not the perception that one individual’s growing influence must be restrained at all costs. Ultimately, history tends to remember not political battles, but the lives improved through leadership,” Okoba stated.