Now that the APC senatorial primary elections have been announced and a concluded list of candidates released across 34 states and the FCT, all eyes are on Delta North. Senator Ned Nwoko, the incumbent representing the district, says he is awaiting the official announcement of results by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). Despite his name missing from the initial list, party insiders believe his incumbency, structure, and loyalty may still give him the edge over former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, writes Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
Waiting on the NWC
Senator Ned Nwoko, a leading contender for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta North senatorial ticket, says he is awaiting the official announcement of the primary election results by the party’s National Working Committee, NWC. Speaking amid growing controversy, Nwoko insisted his return to the Senate in 2027 “is not negotiable.”
APC Releases Partial List
The All Progressives Congress has released a concluded list of senatorial candidates across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ahead of the 2027 general elections. The list covers candidates whose primaries have been concluded and affirmed by the party so far.
South-East Line-up
In Abia State, former Senate President Orji Uzor Kalu will fly the APC flag for Abia North, while Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr and Emeka Atuma will contest Abia South and Abia Central. In Anambra, Nelson Onubuogu, Kene Chiedu Ngozi Benedicta, and Chibuogu Oraelusi emerged for Anambra North, Central, and South. Enugu picked Osita Ngwu, Kelvin Chukwu, and Ikeje Asogwa. Imo has Alex Mbata, Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Patrick Ndubueze.
North-East and North-Central Picks
Adamawa settled for Governor Umaru Fintiri and Felix Tangwami. Bauchi will present Yakubu Abdullahi and Ibrahim Baba. Borno has Kaka Shehu, Ali Ndume, and Tahir Monguno. Gombe’s list includes Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Mohammed Ahmed, and Jerry Damara. Taraba concluded with Manu Haruna and David Jimkuta.
North-West Candidates
Jigawa chose Babangida Hussain, Ahmed Malam Madori, and Sani Garba. Kaduna picked Ramalan Yero, Shehu Sani, and Sunday Katung. Kano has Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Abdulrahman Kawu. Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara also concluded their lists with names like Adamu Aliero, Aliyu Wamakko, and Abdulaziz Yari.
South-South Representation
Akwa Ibom picked Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Aniekan Bassey, and Ekong Sampson. Bayelsa will present Fidelis Agbiki, Friday Kombowei Benson, and Israel Sunny-Goli. Cross River has Jarigbe Jarigbe, Oden Ewa, and Asuquo Ekpenyong. Rivers concluded with Felix Obuah, Allwell Onyesoh, and Barry Mwara.
Delta’s Controversial Entry
Delta’s list includes Ede Dafinone for Delta Central, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for Delta North, and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for Delta South. Okowa’s inclusion has sparked tension in Delta North, with rival camps laying claim to victory and Nwoko’s name notably absent from the published list.
South-West and North-Central
Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo concluded their primaries with names like Opeyemi Bamidele, Tokunbo Abiru, Dapo Abiodun, and others. Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau also finalized candidates, including Yahaya Bello, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and Simon Lalong. Edo picked Adams Oshiomhole, Joseph Ikpea, and Ogbeide-Ihama Omoregie. The FCT settled on Philip Aduda.
Pending Districts Remain
However, senatorial districts not listed are either pending, inconclusive, or yet to conduct APC primaries. The party said delays are due to internal disputes, zoning disagreements, logistical challenges, and postponements in some states. APC leadership says the list will be updated as remaining primaries are ratified.
Tension in Delta North
The delay in announcing the authentic winner of the Delta North primary has generated tension among APC members. Both Nwoko and Okowa are reportedly asserting victory despite the absence of an official declaration by party authorities. Nwoko said the NWC is carrying out its responsibilities and he is prepared to wait for the conclusion of investigations.
The Incumbency Factor
Party sources claim Nwoko currently enjoys a strategic advantage as the incumbent senator. Many APC strategists believe replacing a sitting senator who remains politically active and electorally visible could create avoidable complications for the party ahead of 2027.
Structure and Visibility
“Senator Nwoko has the structure, the visibility, and the legislative platform. From a strategic perspective, many people are asking why the party would want to weaken an existing advantage,” a source familiar with internal discussions said. His national visibility through legislative activities and constituency programmes has kept him prominent for three years.
Anioma State Advocacy
Beyond incumbency, Nwoko is benefiting from goodwill among sections of the presidency and influential stakeholders due to his consistent advocacy for the proposed Anioma State. Party insiders argue this campaign has given him a political identity that resonates strongly across Delta North and beyond party lines.
Loyalty vs New Entrant
Another factor working in his favour is longstanding loyalty to the APC before the recent wave of defections from the PDP. Some loyalists believe rewarding long-term members reassures grassroots supporters. Concerns have also been raised about sidelining established APC figures immediately after prominent PDP defectors joined.
Okowa’s Late Entry
While Okowa remains a significant political figure with extensive government experience, stakeholders reportedly believe his recent entry into the APC may not outweigh the advantages of an incumbent already established within the party structure. “There is a difference between joining a party and building political capital within that party,” an insider noted.
Strategic Value to APC
Conversations within influential party circles have shifted toward identifying the candidate considered most valuable to APC ahead of 2027. Factors such as incumbency, party loyalty, grassroots support, legislative relevance, and national visibility are said to be central to the NWC’s deliberations.
A Fluid Contest
Although the contest remains unresolved, many APC stakeholders monitoring developments in Delta North believe Nwoko currently occupies a stronger position in the unfolding political battle. The race remains fluid as the NWC investigates the disputed exercise and weighs broader political calculations.
Final Decision Looms
For now, Senator Ned Nwoko continues to wait on the NWC while Okowa maintains his claim. As the party moves toward a final decision and submission of names to INEC, Delta North has become a test case of how APC will balance incumbency, loyalty, and new political realignments in its 2027 strategy.
