Tension Rises As Senator Nwoko Alleges Harassment Of Loyalists

Nwoko is contesting the APC ticket alongside former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC last year.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Director General of his campaign organisation, Ekene Kerry, the senator accused agents of the Delta State Government of attempting to undermine the democratic process and suppress the will of party members.

According to the statement, despite Nwoko’s widespread popularity, “the Delta State government has made it a priority to block his emergence.”

The campaign further alleged that the move was being orchestrated by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who it claimed was seeking a return to the Senate after being rejected by voters in the 2023 elections.

“They are acting on the orders of former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who has declared his intent to return to the Senate despite his rejection by Deltans in 2023,” the statement said.

Nwoko’s campaign organisation also alleged that the panel assigned to oversee the primary election had been compromised.

“The panel sent to conduct the primaries has been held hostage.

“State machinery has been mobilised, with state government appointees acting as returning officers at ward and LGA levels to write results in favour of Dr. Okowa.

“There are threats to defy the APC National Headquarters directive to transmit all results to Abuja, out of fear of Senator Nwoko’s popularity.

“Our supporters are being threatened with violence,” the statement alleged.

The campaign organisation called on the APC national leadership and security agencies to ensure the conduct of a transparent, credible, and peaceful primary election.

“Let it be clear: No one has a monopoly on violence, as our supporters will not be intimidated nor cowed into supporting a former governor rejected by his people in 2023,” the statement added.

It also urged supporters across Delta North to remain calm, peaceful, and come out in large numbers to participate in the primary election.

“To our supporters across Delta North: Do not be intimidated. Turn out massively and peacefully. Return Senator Ned Nwoko to the 11th Assembly,” the statement concluded.