Nwoko vs Okowa: Political Tug-of-War Continues as APC NWC Delays Primary Result Announcement

Indications have emerged that the political tug-of-war between Senator Ned Nwoko, a leading contender for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North senatorial ticket, and his main rival, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has continued as Nwoko says he is awaiting the official announcement of the primary election results by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Speaking amid growing controversy surrounding the outcome of the APC senatorial primaries, Nwoko expressed confidence in securing victory, insisting that his return to the Senate in 2027 “is not negotiable.”

The delay in the announcement of the authentic winner has generated tension among APC members in Delta North, with rival camps laying claim to victory.

In a brief statement, Nwoko said the party’s National Working Committee was carrying out its responsibilities and that he was prepared to wait for the conclusion of its investigations into the disputed exercise.

Party sources, however, claim that Nwoko currently enjoys a strategic advantage over former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is also reportedly asserting victory despite the absence of an official declaration by party authorities.

According to multiple APC insiders, conversations within influential party circles have increasingly shifted toward identifying the candidate considered most valuable to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources say one of Nwoko’s strongest advantages is his status as the incumbent senator representing Delta North. Many APC strategists reportedly believe replacing a sitting senator who remains politically active and electorally visible could create avoidable complications for the party.

“Senator Nwoko has the structure, the visibility, and the legislative platform. From a strategic perspective, many people are asking why the party would want to weaken an existing advantage,” a source familiar with internal discussions said.

Beyond incumbency, Nwoko is also believed to be benefiting from goodwill among sections of the presidency and influential APC stakeholders due to his consistent advocacy for the proposed Anioma State.

Party insiders argue that the Anioma campaign has helped establish a political identity for Nwoko that resonates strongly across Delta North and extends beyond conventional party politics.

Another factor said to be working in his favour is his longstanding loyalty to the APC before the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Some party loyalists reportedly believe rewarding long-term APC members would reassure grassroots supporters that years of commitment to the party still matter.

Within these circles, concerns have also been raised about sidelining established APC figures immediately after the arrival of prominent defectors from the PDP.

While Okowa remains a significant political figure with extensive government experience, some stakeholders reportedly believe his recent entry into the APC may not outweigh the advantages enjoyed by an incumbent senator already established within the party structure.

“There is a difference between joining a party and building political capital within that party. Many people at the national level understand that distinction,” another insider said.

Sources also point to Nwoko’s national visibility through legislative activities, advocacy campaigns, and constituency engagement programmes, which they say have kept him prominent in national political discussions over the past three years.

For many within the party, the central argument remains that replacing a serving senator with a relatively new entrant into the APC structure could trigger unnecessary internal conflicts at a time the party is seeking to consolidate its gains in Delta State.

Insiders further suggest that if the APC leadership and the presidency eventually consider broader political calculations, factors such as incumbency, party loyalty, grassroots support, legislative relevance, and national visibility may ultimately favour Nwoko.

Although the contest remains unresolved, many APC stakeholders monitoring developments in Delta North believe Nwoko currently occupies a stronger position in the unfolding political battle.

For now, the race remains fluid, but conversations within influential APC circles suggest the senator may retain a significant edge as the party moves toward a final decision.