The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, has defended the result of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Delta North.
Aniagwu explained that former governor Ifeanyi Okowa defeated the incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko, because of his strong grassroots support and long-standing relationship with party stakeholders.
He dismissed claims that the primary was rigged. He insisted there was no “magic counting” during the exercise.
Aniagwu noted that party primaries often depend on the relationships aspirants build with members over time.
“Two days ago, you saw how Arsenal fans celebrated their team’s victory. That shows emotional attachment to what you believe in,” he said.
“In a political party, there are emotional attachments. Party members, during general elections, may stay away if they don’t want to vote. But during primaries, many factors come into play.
“I told you about how you relate to them, the empowerment you carry out, and other things that motivate them to come out.
“In Delta North, over 150,000 people are registered party members. This election took place in a local environment.”
Nwoko Failed to Consult Stakeholders – Commissioner
The commissioner said Nwoko did not adequately consult or engage critical stakeholders before seeking re-election.
He added that Okowa, unlike the incumbent senator, remained deeply rooted in the district and maintained strong ties with party members and voters.
Aniagwu recalled that Okowa and other political leaders in Delta North supported Nwoko’s senatorial ambition during the 2023 elections. But he alleged that the senator has lost the goodwill of many stakeholders.
Reacting to Nwoko’s claim that the primary was manipulated, Aniagwu suggested that the senator may have expected support from influential figures in Abuja to secure the ticket without going through the democratic process.
He said Nwoko was probably expecting “the powers that be in Abuja” to simply coronate him.
Commissioner Accuses Nwoko of Poor Representation
Aniagwu also accused the senator of failing to effectively represent Delta North at the National Assembly.
According to him, Nwoko represented Abuja and not Delta in the Senate because many people in the district could not feel his presence or representation.
Aniagwu insisted that Okowa’s margin of victory reflected the will of APC members in Delta North.
According to results released by the party, Okowa polled 113,309 votes, while Nwoko scored 2,612 votes. Mariam Ali recorded 40 votes.
Nwoko had not yet responded to Aniagwu’s claims on the outcome of the primary.
Okowa served as Delta State governor from 2015 to 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. He defected to the APC in April 2025 alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
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