ASABA, Nigeria (FN) — Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, says Senator Ned Nwoko’s defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election to former governor Ifeanyi Okowa was due to his lack of grassroots engagement and strained ties with his community.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Aniagwu argued that Nwoko’s alleged failure to consult political leaders across the 98 wards in Delta North Senatorial District cost him support. Okowa, he said, actively toured the nine local government areas in the district, meeting with leaders and party officials, while Nwoko “remained in Abuja.”
“Okowa actually polled 113,309 votes as against Ned Nwoko’s 2,612 votes,” Aniagwu said. “Ned Nwoko was nowhere in any of the wards. He never reached out to any of the leaders, let alone canvassing and informing anybody that he was coming to run.”
Aniagwu criticized Nwoko’s record as senator, claiming he neglected traditional institutions and failed to build relationships with ward chairmen, commissioners, and local government leaders. He also accused Nwoko of being in “perpetual battle” with his community, citing disputes over the staff of office for the local traditional ruler and alleged intimidation of residents.
According to Aniagwu, Nwoko’s campaign lacked genuine grassroots support, with crowds at his events allegedly made up of students bused in from his sports university. In contrast, Okowa was described as “crisscrossing” the district and maintaining direct contact with political appointees and community leaders.
The commissioner concluded that Nwoko’s disconnect from his base and strained community relations made it impossible for him to compete with Okowa’s widespread influence in Delta North.
