The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday, welcomed the senator representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko, following his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
Nwoko, who officially switched allegiance to the APC, hinged his exit on the current crisis rocking the PDP leadership.
The lawmaker added that Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and a former governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa, did not accord him a conducive atmosphere to function at an optimal level.
Welcoming Nwoko on Wednesday, Ganduje assured his delegation that with all the three Delta senators on their side, the ruling party is more than certain to win over Delta at the next governorship election.
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.
“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
Earlier on Wednessay, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read Nwoko’s letter of defection to the APC during the plenary session.
The letter was titled, “Notice of departure from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.”
It read, “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.”
He lamented that the PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, had unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.
These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.
“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.
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,” he said.
Nwoko urged the Senate to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard democracy.
He asked the committee to examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that would 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.
“Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate,” the letter added.
In an earlier resignation letter addressed to the PDP leadership in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, dated January 30, 2025, the lawmaker lamented the current state of the party, citing deep divisions and irreconcilable factions as the primary reasons for his defection.
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,” he said in the letter.
(PUNCH)