Fresh reactions have continued to trail the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta State as a chieftain of the party, Norbert Sochukwudinma, dismissed allegations made by Senator Ned Nwoko over the conduct of the exercise.
Nwoko, who contested for the APC Delta North senatorial ticket, had earlier claimed that the primary election was manipulated in favour of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. The senator insisted he had evidence, including videos and ward-by-ward results, which he said showed he enjoyed broader support across the district.
He also alleged that participants were informed midway into the process that results from the wards would no longer be announced locally, but would instead be collated and declared by the party’s national leadership in Abuja.
Reacting to the claims during an interview on Arise Television, Senior Special Assistant to the APC National Chairman on Local Government Affairs, Norbert Sochukwudinma, argued that Nwoko failed to build the necessary grassroots relationships within the party before the primary.
“He said, “Nwoko stayed away from the party and expected victory.
Anyone seeking to win an election must engage with party structures, yet he never consulted the nine local government party chairmen or leaders.”
Sochukwudinma further stressed that only registered members of the APC were eligible to participate in the primary, adding that party politics required more than popularity or public visibility.
“Only card-carrying APC members are eligible to vote, and party politics is not show business.”
The APC official also rejected claims that the primary results circulating online reflected the true outcome of the election, describing some of the figures being shared as unofficial.
“From the available evidence, Senator Ned Nwoko was clearly defeated, and some of the results circulated online were fabricated and not official.”
He added, “In fact, I was surprised he even secured over 2,000 votes.”
The exchange has further intensified discussions surrounding the APC primaries in Delta State, with supporters of both camps continuing to debate the credibility of the process and the eventual outcome of the contest. GWG.
