The prolonged uncertainty over the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Delta North involving Senator Ned Nwoko and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is beginning to generate frustration among political observers and party supporters.
The delay in announcing a winner has created concerns that the APC may be struggling to manage internal divisions ahead of the general elections.
According to political analyst Basil Okoh, the situation reflects deeper tensions within the party, including fears of losing political influence, government access and relevance.
Okoh argued that the prolonged contest between Nwoko and Okowa could create an opening for a third candidate to emerge as a strong contender in Delta North.
He noted that both aspirants have significant political influence in the district, with Okowa controlling long-established political structures and Nwoko representing a newer political movement.
“Both have the capacity to swing elections in Delta North one way or the other and both come with their own Achilles heels which a brilliant media campaigner can exploit to the advantage of a third force,” Okoh stated.
The writer said the APC’s internal struggle has affected political activities in the state, adding that the eventual winner of the primary would shape the party’s campaign strategy ahead of the elections.
Okoh also suggested that the party faces challenges beyond the Delta North contest, particularly after losing former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege to the growing influence of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta Central.
He described the Delta North senatorial contest as a supremacy battle between two political tendencies within the APC — the original APC members and former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who recently joined the ruling party.
According to him, the defection of PDP members into the APC has created divisions within the party, raising questions about its ability to present a united front during the election.
Okoh argued that whichever candidate emerges from the primary will face resistance from opponents within the party and among sections of the electorate.
On Okowa, he said the former governor remains a powerful political figure because of his influence over existing structures but claimed that some young voters and critics have become increasingly opposed to his return to elective politics.
On Nwoko, Okoh said opposition to the senator is linked largely to his advocacy for the creation of Anioma State and his support for placing the proposed state within the Southeast region.
He claimed that some Delta North stakeholders, particularly from parts of Ndokwa and other communities, disagree with the idea and believe the region should remain within Delta State.
Okoh, who disclosed that he was among those who disagreed with Nwoko’s position on Anioma State, argued that the issue has affected the senator’s relationship with some political leaders and traditional stakeholders in the district.
He maintained that both Nwoko and Okowa have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by a third candidate in the senatorial race.
The analyst cited Okowa’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate and raised questions about his electoral strength despite his previous position as governor.
He also criticised Nwoko’s handling of the Anioma State advocacy, alleging that the issue had created resentment among some voters.
Okoh said the APC nomination contest could become the beginning of a prolonged political struggle for control of Delta North, noting that both aspirants have strong financial and political networks.
He added that while Okowa may benefit from support linked to the state government and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Nwoko’s political resilience should not be underestimated.
According to Okoh, Nwoko is known for his determination and refusal to easily withdraw from political battles, making the contest difficult to predict.
The APC has yet to officially announce the final outcome of the Delta North senatorial primary, leaving the political battle open as stakeholders await the party’s decision.
Basil Okoh is a Lagos based veteran journalist and human rights activist.
