Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deep internal divisions and irreconcilable factions. His resignation marks the end of his decades-long affiliation with the party he helped build since 1999.
Factional War Pushes Nwoko Out
In his resignation letter, dated January 30 and addressed to PDP’s Ward 8 in Aniocha North, Delta State, Nwoko did not mince words about the party’s crisis. He described the PDP as a house divided against itself, one that has become incapable of fostering unity or advancing collective interests.
“My decision to resign is first and foremost due to the deep divisions and factionalisation within the party. This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interests of our people,” Nwoko stated.
But the chaos didn’t stop at mere disagreements. According to Nwoko, just a day before his resignation, top party members engaged in a physical brawl over their irreconcilable differences. A party that once prided itself on leadership and governance had, in his words, “degenerated to the lowest levels” of internal conflict.
PDP’s Structure ‘Not Conducive’ for Development
Despite winning his senatorial seat on the PDP platform in 2023, Nwoko admitted that the party’s structure in Delta State has hindered his ability to fulfill campaign promises. He noted that while PDP provided him with an electoral platform, the internal strife has made meaningful governance nearly impossible.
“Regrettably, the current structure of the party in our state has not been conducive to realising these promises,” he lamented.
It is no secret that PDP has faced an identity crisis in recent years, with internal battles weakening its electoral prospects. Nwoko’s departure is just another symptom of the party’s larger crisis.
What’s Next for Nwoko?
Despite quitting PDP, Nwoko reassured his constituents that his commitment to public service remains strong. He emphasized that his decision was made in the best interest of those he represents.
“While I bid farewell to my membership in the PDP, I assure all party members and my constituents of my unwavering dedication to statesmanship,” he said.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Sports Development, Nwoko still wields significant political influence. His resignation sparks speculation about his next political move, will he join another party, or is this the beginning of an independent political journey?
