The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has welcomed Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North, following his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP.

Nwoko, in officially joining the APC, attributed his decision to the ongoing crisis within the PDP leadership.

The lawmaker stated that the current leadership in Delta, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, failed to provide him with a conducive environment to function effectively.

While welcoming Nwoko, Ganduje expressed confidence that with the three Delta senators now in the APC, the party is well-positioned to secure a victory in the upcoming governorship election in the state.

He said, “We are happy to receive you, distinguished Senator Nwoko. There’s no doubt that our leader, President Bola Tinubu, is also focused and visionary. Immediately he came in, he knew what to do and introduced some reforms. Even though they are painful, they are unavoidable reforms.”

He continued, “If you want Nigeria to progress, there is no doubt you have to undertake such reforms. But we have started seeing the outcome of such reforms. Oil production increased, and refineries are working. Security is improving and the country is working.”

“We know our chapter in Delta will also implement internal democracy. We therefore, request you, the stakeholders, to come together to cooperate. We had two out of three senators before and now have the entire three in Delta. As we promised, we will take over Delta State.”

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Nwoko’s letter of defection to the APC during the plenary session.

The letter, titled “Notice of departure from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” stated:

“I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the PDP and consequently join the APC. This decision was not made lightly, but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District.”

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Nwoko went on to explain that the PDP, once a strong force for national development and democratic participation, has been overwhelmed by persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership.

He stated, “These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.”

He further emphasized, “Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard.”

He warned, “The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy.

If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.”

Nwoko called on the Senate to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the ongoing crisis within the PDP and recommend solutions to preserve democracy.

He urged the committee to look into the root causes of the party’s internal issues, engage relevant stakeholders, and suggest reforms to ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.

“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation,” the letter concluded. “Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate.”

Earlier, Nwoko had sent a resignation letter to the PDP leadership in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, dated January 30, 2025.

In the letter, he decried the deep divisions and irreconcilable factions within the party as the primary reasons for his decision to defect.

“My decision to resign is, first and foremost, due to the deep divisions and factionalisation within the party. This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interests of our people,” Nwoko wrote in the letter.

Crediblenewsng.com