Senator Ned Nwoko’s defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been officially confirmed by the Nigerian Senate. The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant political shift in the country’s political landscape. Nwoko, who has represented Delta North in the Senate, cited the worsening instability and internal crises within the PDP as the primary reasons for his decision.
Addressing his move, Senator Nwoko pointed out that the PDP’s internal turmoil had reached a level where it posed a direct threat to his political career. “The current state of the PDP has become untenable for me,” he explained. “The internal crises have made it difficult to effectively pursue my political aspirations under the party’s banner.” His comments highlighted the party’s instability as a key factor driving his defection to the APC.
As Nwoko made his way to the APC section of the Senate, thunderous chants erupted from his new party members, who welcomed him warmly. The atmosphere was electric as he was escorted to the majority wing of the Upper Chamber, signaling the party’s growing influence within the Senate. Nwoko’s defection is seen as a strategic move, given the APC’s current dominance in the country’s political scene.
Alongside his defection, Nwoko made a formal request to the Senate, urging the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate the ongoing crisis within the PDP. In a letter read aloud by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Nwoko highlighted the urgent need for an independent inquiry into the situation within his former party. “The PDP is facing serious internal challenges, and an investigation will help understand the root causes of the crisis,” Nwoko said through the letter.
The senator emphasized that the stability of political parties is vital for the overall health of Nigeria’s democracy. “We need a viable opposition to safeguard our political landscape,” he asserted, stressing that a strong opposition is necessary to ensure a balanced democratic process. Nwoko’s call for an investigation into his former party underscores his concern for the future of Nigeria’s political system and the role of opposition parties.
In his speech, Nwoko also touched on the importance of the APC’s role in the current administration. By aligning with the APC, he expressed confidence that he would be better positioned to contribute to the party’s efforts in stabilizing Nigeria’s political environment.
The Senate’s formal acknowledgment of Nwoko’s defection is expected to have significant political ramifications, not only within the PDP but also for the APC’s positioning in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
