Abuja- NIGERIA – In a stunning political upheaval in Nigeria’s power corridors, Senator Ned Nwoko has made the jaw-dropping decision to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This dramatic exit, after months of swirling speculation, marks a bitter end to Nwoko’s long-standing ties with the PDP, a party he helped build from the ground up in 1999. His departure is not just a personal shift — it’s a searing indictment of the PDP’s unraveling internal strife, and a clear sign of the deep fractures threatening to tear the opposition apart.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nwoko formally declared his exit from the PDP, citing deep-rooted divisions and violent factionalism within the party as the driving forces behind his shocking decision. This explosive development is likely to send shockwaves throughout the Delta political establishment and beyond, as the PDP, already struggling with internal strife, now faces the defection of one of its most prominent and high-profile members.
“I write to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a party I have proudly served as a foundation member since 1999,” Nwoko’s letter begins, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic political exits in recent memory. The senator didn’t mince words as he described the irreconcilable factions within the party, warning that the PDP’s deep divisions were no longer sustainable.
The timing of Nwoko’s defection could not be more significant. On January 29, just days before his bombshell announcement, PDP members in Delta were caught on camera physically fighting, a shocking spectacle that exposed the disarray and dysfunction gripping the party. Nwoko was quick to seize upon this moment as the tipping point, describing the incident as a reflection of the party’s implosion.
“Just this week, on the 29th of January, top party functionaries descended to the lowest levels by physically fighting among themselves due to these irreconcilable factions,” Nwoko wrote. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable and speaks to the depth of the divisions that have plagued the party in recent times.”
The senator’s words are a devastating blow to the PDP, a party already plagued by accusations of mismanagement and internal strife. But what makes Nwoko’s resignation even more shocking is the manner in which it highlights the growing dysfunction within the party, leaving many to question how much longer the PDP can survive in its current state.
Nwoko’s defection is not just a personal decision; it’s a strategic move that has the potential to reshape the political landscape in Delta State and beyond. His decision to leave the PDP and join the APC sends a clear signal that he is willing to align himself with the ruling party, whose influence continues to grow in key regions of the country.
In his resignation letter, Nwoko did not shy away from emphasizing the promises he made to his constituents during the 2022/2023 senatorial campaign. While he expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing him with a platform, he made it clear that the current state of the party was an obstacle to fulfilling his commitments.
“I made solemn and actionable promises to my constituents—commitments I take seriously as a servant of the people,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, the current structure of the party in our state has not been conducive to fulfilling these promises. After careful consideration, I have concluded that stepping away from the party is necessary to honor my obligations to my people.”
The senator’s defection to the APC marks a significant realignment in Delta politics. As one of the most prominent figures in the National Assembly, Nwoko’s move is bound to have far-reaching implications for the political future of the region. It raises the prospect of other high-profile politicians following suit, further weakening the PDP’s grip on power in Delta State.
For the APC, this is a major coup. Nwoko’s defection could prove to be the tipping point the party needs to expand its reach in the South-South region, where it has struggled to make significant inroads. His political clout, coupled with his extensive network, makes him a formidable force that the APC can now count on to challenge the PDP’s dominance.
Nwoko’s exit is not just about party affiliation; it is a message to the PDP leadership and its supporters. The senator’s resignation serves as a scathing indictment of the party’s inability to resolve its internal conflicts, raising serious questions about its future viability as a unified political force.
As Nigeria braces for the fallout from this political earthquake, all eyes are now on Nwoko’s next moves. His decision to jump ship and join the APC is a high-stakes gamble that could either propel him to greater heights of political power or lead to an uncertain future. However, one thing is clear: Senator Ned Nwoko has set the stage for a seismic shift in Nigerian politics, and the ramifications of his defection will be felt for years to come.
In the end, this defection is not just a personal betrayal; it is a stark reflection of the bitter, ugly divisions that continue to plague Nigeria’s political parties. And if Nwoko’s defection is any indication, the country’s political landscape may never be the same again.
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