Delta North: Okowa's Endorsement, N20m Donation Leave Senator Nwoko, APC Ward Leadership Embarrassed (Details Here)

Tensions are boiling in Delta North as a political endorsement that initially appeared to signal a major shift in loyalties has quickly unraveled into a public dispute, exposing deep fractures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Idumuje-Ugboko, a community in Aniocha North local government area in Delta state.

In what many observers are already describing as a dramatic political twist, members of APC Ward 8 in Idumuje-Ugboko, the hometown of billionaire politician Ned Nwoko, reportedly declared their support for former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his senatorial ambition.

The move raised eyebrows not just for its boldness, but for its direct rejection of their own high-profile son.

The endorsement reportedly took place on Thursday as Okowa’s consultation train made a stop in the community.

What should have been a routine political visit quickly turned into a symbolic show of defiance.

Speaker after speaker allegedly distanced themselves from Nwoko, openly backing Okowa instead, a development insiders say reflects simmering dissatisfaction that has been building quietly for months.

Even more striking was the reported pledge by the ward members to collectively raise ₦20 million to purchase Okowa’s nomination form, an unusual and highly symbolic gesture that suggests not just support, but active political investment.

According to The Town Hall, the gathering drew several influential political figures, including former Minister Chris Agbobu, ex-House Majority Leader Ndudi Elumelu, APC Deputy State Chairman Moses Iduh, Nkem Okwuofu (Agunwanyi), and Joan Onyemaechi (Ada Anioma), among others.

Their presence added weight to the endorsement and signaled what looked like a coordinated political realignment within Delta North.

Speaking to journalists, Elumelu did not hold back in his praise for Okowa, crediting him for his own rise to prominence in the National Assembly.

He described Okowa as a “rare leader,” emphasizing that his political influence runs deeper than visible titles.

“Leaders like Okowa are rare and necessary for effective representation and development,” Elumelu said, in remarks that some interpreted as a subtle jab at rival figures within the region.

But just as the story began gaining traction, it took a sharp and controversial turn.

Less than 24 hours later, the Chairman of Ward 8, Nzediunor Peter Ehijonam, issued a strongly worded rebuttal, outright dismissing the endorsement as false and unauthorized.

In a statement titled “REJECT THE LIES,” Ehijonam categorically denied that any such agreement was reached at the meeting, warning individuals and groups against dragging the ward into what he described as political misinformation.

“Ward 8 Aniocha North wishes to state clearly that there was no discussion or agreement to endorse Senator Okowa at today’s meeting.

Anyone or group of persons doing that is on his own. No one should drag the name of Ward 8 in the mud,” the statement read. The conflicting accounts have sparked intense speculation.

Was the endorsement a rogue move by a faction within the ward? Or is the chairman’s denial an attempt at damage control following backlash from powerful interests aligned with Ned Nwoko?

Political analysts say the incident may point to a deeper struggle for control within the APC in Delta North, one that is no longer happening behind closed doors.

The public contradiction not only undermines party cohesion but also raises serious questions about who truly holds influence at the grassroots level.

With alliances shifting and narratives clashing, one thing is clear: the battle for Delta North’s senatorial seat is already heating up, and it may get even messier in the weeks ahead.