A fresh dispute is brewing in the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and Senator Ned Nwoko lock horns over who should steer the party’s affairs in the Delta North Senatorial District.
The clash comes just weeks before an important party gathering scheduled for June 14 at Senator Nwoko’s residence. The meeting is expected to bring together key figures from the district. However, Onyeme is questioning why Nwoko should be at the helm, suggesting that the position of political leadership should naturally fall to him as deputy governor.
Nwoko, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier this year to join the APC, is widely regarded by some within the party as the most senior figure in Delta North. His supporters believe this seniority grants him the right to lead. However, Onyeme’s team sees things differently.
In a statement posted on social media by Onyeme’s Press Secretary, Mr. Fidelis Egugbo, the deputy governor’s office noted historical examples where deputy governors played central roles in organizing political events within the district.
“Deputy Governor traditionally played a central role in convening political meetings in the district,” the statement read. “So, Sir Monday Onyeme should now assume a similar unifying role within the APC and propose a private meeting with Senator Nwoko to prevent factionalism.”
Egugbo also pointed to past administrations to support Onyeme’s claim. According to him, under former Governor James Ibori, such political meetings were typically held at the home of then-Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue. He added that the tradition continued during Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration through the late Prof. Amos Utuama.
However, some members of Nwoko’s camp are pushing back. A senior APC official, who asked to remain unnamed, said: “Senator Nwoko is the high-ranking officer in Delta North, and by the party rules, he remains the Delta North leader of the party. Is Onyeme the deputy governor of Delta North? How can he assume the party leader of our district?”
Attempts to contact Nwoko for his comments were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable at the time of this report.
The leadership tussle has reignited past tensions in the APC, especially after Nwoko’s recent defection from the PDP in February. Sources close to the matter say his move was driven by alleged frustrations over former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s refusal to back his ambition for a senatorial leadership position within the PDP.
Meanwhile, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has stood by the decision to switch parties, noting that the political shift was aimed at preparing Delta State for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the governor noted, “Our desire is not to kill PDP but to move Delta forward, and so we changed our drinking pattern. It was obvious that PDP won’t make headway in the forthcoming 2027 election, and so the need to move to the APC.”
Aniagwu also responded to growing criticism that the administration is struggling to maintain control. “Anyone suggesting that the administration is losing grip is far from the truth. We remain committed to delivering results,” he said.
He also mentioned key projects set to be inaugurated as part of the administration’s second anniversary, including the Beneku Bridge, Ishiagu-Ewulu Road, erosion control work in Okpanam, and upgrades to several healthcare facilities across Asaba, Warri, and Oghara.
