Why Nwoko lost APC primary to Okowa — Aniagwu
Nwoko’s Loss in APC Primary Attributed to Lack of Local Engagement
By Omobola Dickson
Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads, and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, stated Tuesday that Senator Ned Nwoko’s defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election was due to his perceived unpopularity within the region.
During an interview on Channels Television, Aniagwu asserted that Nwoko did not effectively engage with political leaders across the 98 wards in the Delta North Senatorial District prior to the primary election. In contrast, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa actively consulted and connected with leaders in all nine local government areas of the district.
Aniagwu noted that Okowa received 113,309 votes compared to Nwoko’s 2,612, highlighting a significant disparity. He emphasized the differences between party primaries and general elections, indicating that internal party dynamics often differ from broader public sentiment.
“Ned Nwoko was not present in any of the wards,” Aniagwu said. “He did not reach out to any political leaders or inform anyone of his candidacy.”
The commissioner also criticized Nwoko for his lack of engagement within his own community over the past three years, citing his inadequate outreach to local traditional institutions and political appointees.
For example, Aniagwu claimed Nwoko never held a meeting with members of his own ward or communicated with local political leaders about his intentions to run for election.
“He has never even sent a text message to inform me or others in my ward,” he said, referring to his roles as both a commissioner and leader within local politics.
Aniagwu further stated that Nwoko’s relationship with his community has been contentious, noting past conflicts with local traditional leadership.
“Many individuals from his community have been arrested during his tenure,” Aniagwu alleged. “It is unlikely those he has allegedly intimidated will support him at the polls.”
In contrast, Aniagwu described Okowa’s proactive strategy during the lead-up to the primaries, highlighting his efforts to connect with party officials and local leaders.
Moreover, he criticized the support Nwoko received at the polls, asserting that it was orchestrated rather than organic, as he employed transportation to gather students from a sports university to bolster his presence.
As party officials organized the primaries, Aniagwu emphasized that Nwoko’s approach lacked the genuine grassroots support that he needed to succeed.
The implications of Nwoko’s defeat raise questions about the importance of local engagement in political campaigns, particularly in an electoral landscape marked by diverse community needs and expectations.
