A fresh political storm is brewing in Delta State as Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and Senator Ned Nwoko battle for control of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Delta North Senatorial District.
The power tussle has thrown the APC into renewed internal disarray, intensifying ahead of a crucial party meeting scheduled for June 14 at Nwoko’s residence. Onyeme is challenging Nwoko’s claim to leadership, insisting that the deputy governor traditionally holds the role of political convener in the district.
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Nwoko, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier this year, is viewed by a section of the APC as the most senior party figure in Delta North. However, Onyeme has fired back, arguing that political precedents support his leadership claim.
In a statement issued via his Press Secretary, Mr. Fidelis Egugbo, Onyeme cited examples from previous administrations to justify his stance.
“Deputy governors have always played central roles in political coordination within Delta North,” the statement read. “Sir Monday Onyeme should now take on that unifying responsibility in APC and seek a private dialogue with Senator Nwoko to avert a looming party split.”
Egugbo referenced how, during Chief James Ibori’s administration, then-Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue routinely hosted political meetings at his Obior residence, a tradition continued by the late Prof. Amos Utuama under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
But Nwoko’s camp sees it differently. A senior APC chieftain, who spoke anonymously, dismissed Onyeme’s claims.
“Senator Nwoko is the highest-ranking APC official in Delta North. According to party structures, he is the rightful leader. Onyeme may be deputy governor of the state, but that doesn’t automatically make him leader of Delta North’s APC,” the source stated.
Efforts to get a direct response from Nwoko were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone were not returned at the time of filing this report.
This leadership tussle has resurfaced unresolved tensions within the APC, particularly those linked to Nwoko’s controversial exit from the PDP in February 2025. Sources close to the senator claim he left the PDP after former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa allegedly blocked his ambition to become the senatorial leader of the party.
Amid the chaos, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has maintained that the political realignment that saw him and other PDP figures defect to the APC was strategic and necessary for the state’s future.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the governor said, “Our intention is not to destroy the PDP but to move Delta forward. We had to change direction because it was clear the PDP had no viable path to victory in 2027.”
Aniagwu also pushed back against criticism that the administration was losing its grip on the state. “That’s far from the truth. This administration is focused on results,” he said.
As part of activities marking the administration’s second anniversary, Aniagwu outlined several infrastructure projects set for commissioning, including the Beneku Bridge, the Ishiagu-Ewulu Road, erosion control efforts in Okpanam, and upgraded medical facilities across Asaba, Warri, and Oghara.
Despite these developments, the political spotlight remains firmly on the unfolding leadership struggle between Onyeme and Nwoko. All eyes are now on the upcoming APC Delta North meeting on June 14, which could either heal internal rifts or widen the party’s cracks even further.
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