Political Drama: Ned Nwoko Accuses APC Of Backtracking On Automatic Ticket Deal

Nwoko’s reaction follows his defeat in the party primaries held on May 18, where former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, reportedly polled 113,309 votes to defeat him, who secured 2,612 votes.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE Prime Time, Nwoko claimed that the APC had assured him of an automatic ticket as part of the agreement that facilitated his move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

He expressed shock over the outcome, insisting that he had received repeated assurances from former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, that he would be the party’s candidate in the 2027 general elections.

The senator also alleged that the May 18 primary was manipulated in favour of Okowa, claiming that he has evidence to support his assertion that he won the exercise.

According to him, “I was told before joining the party that I would be given an automatic ticket. Why would I leave without securing my position?

“We were assured there would be discussions on a new party structure and a power-sharing arrangement. We even had meetings with party leaders who promised restructuring, including dissolving the state executive committee to allow new alignments.

“We won the primary. Okowa only pointed to an issue in one ward. I have evidence and video proof. You cannot convince someone who is confident of victory that he lost. We won in 98 wards. It is unrealistic to expect victory in every single ward, including his stronghold.