By Abigail Philip David
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep divisions and internal crises within the opposition party.
In a resignation letter dated January 30, 2025, and addressed to PDP leaders in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nwoko expressed frustration over the party’s factionalization, which he said had hindered unity and progress.
“My decision to resign is primarily 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 stated.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Nwoko’s defection letter, titled **”Notice of Departure from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.”**
In the letter, Nwoko explained that his move to the APC followed extensive consultations with his constituents and political associates. He lamented the PDP’s prolonged crisis, lack of leadership, and diminishing role as an effective opposition.
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy,” he wrote.
Nwoko further warned that if the party’s issues were not urgently addressed, Nigeria risked sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which could harm governance and national stability.
Calling for a Senate intervention, he urged the chamber to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the PDP’s internal crisis and recommend reforms to ensure a strong opposition remains in the country’s democracy.
“I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by investigating the root causes of the PDP’s implosion, engaging relevant stakeholders, and proposing necessary reforms,” he stated.
Nwoko reaffirmed his commitment to serving Delta North and contributing to Nigeria’s progress, requesting that his new party affiliation be reflected in Senate records.
