A serious endorsement crisis has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North senatorial district, with party factions clashing over the endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term.

The leadership tussle primarily involves immediate past Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the current Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, with their respective supporters taking opposing positions on key endorsements.

The Endorsement That Sparked Controversy

The conflict began following a well-attended APC stakeholders' meeting held last Saturday at Senator Nwoko's country home in Idumuje-Ugboko. During this gathering, party stakeholders, leaders, and members loyal to Senator Nwoko unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Nwoko himself.

However, this endorsement was quickly rejected by the "Forum of Delta North APC LGA Chairmen" and the "Forum of APC Ward Chairmen" in the senatorial district, groups reportedly loyal to Dr. Okowa.

Senatorial Chairman's Intervention

In response to the growing crisis, the Chairman of APC in Delta North senatorial district, Ogbueishi Adizue Eluaka, issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the actions of the forums that rejected the endorsements.

Eluaka described the groups as "unauthorized and unconstitutional bodies," emphasizing that their actions did not reflect the collective will or structure of the APC in Delta North. Taking decisive action, he announced the dissolution of all party forums in the senatorial district.

"We will not sit to watch a few disgruntled, sponsored individuals under the guise of a forum that is unknown to our constitution, cause disunity and disaffection in our party. The APC is a window of opportunity for growth, and these actions are clearly self-serving," Eluaka declared in his statement.

New Operational Structure

To restore discipline and cohesion within party ranks, Eluaka announced that henceforth, all party dealings would be conducted directly with LGA and ward chairmen on an individual basis. He issued a stern warning that any meeting convened by the now-dissolved forums or any unsanctioned group would be deemed illegal and subject to disciplinary action.

This development highlights the deepening factional divides within the Delta North APC as the party prepares for future electoral contests, with control over endorsements becoming a critical battleground between the Okowa and Nwoko camps.

Political analysts suggest that how this crisis is resolved could significantly impact the party's cohesion and electoral prospects in Delta North in upcoming elections.

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