Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has issued a strong advisory to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urging him to shed his “old habits” from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he transitions to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Nwoko emphasized that Oborevwori’s defection must be a catalyst for transformative change, not merely a symbolic gesture.
In a statement directed at the governor following his recent switch, Nwoko cautioned against importing the political practices that he believes contributed to the PDP’s decline in Delta State. “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind,” Nwoko stated. He further challenged Oborevwori to “leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy.”
Despite the warning, Nwoko commended Oborevwori’s decision to join the APC, hailing it as a bold step that opens up new possibilities for Delta State and the broader Nigerian political landscape. He noted the APC’s renewed focus and energy, highlighting the party’s ongoing efforts to push for critical constitutional amendments, including the creation of Anioma and New Delta states.
“Chief among these is the creation of two new viable states: Anioma and New Delta,” Nwoko affirmed. “Let me remind you, this agenda was declared a done deal by the party leadership long before your defection, a testament to the APC’s commitment to correcting historical imbalances and ending regional marginalisation.”
Nwoko called on the governor to champion these constitutional reforms, demonstrating a renewed commitment to fairness, inclusive development, and progressive governance. “Your defection must not be symbolic; it must be transformative. This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development,” he emphasized.
The senator elaborated on the potential benefits of the proposed state creation, stating, “The creation of Anioma state will finally give voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North. It is a long overdue recognition of a people who have sought parity with their kinsmen. The proposed New Delta will address the deep internal asymmetries within the current Delta state structure. It will empower neglected communities, bring government closer to the people, and unlock new paths for economic growth.”
Nwoko underscored the APC’s strengthened position to enact these changes, asserting, “For the first time, the APC is armed with the numbers to amend the constitution. This time, we can fulfill these promises without demanding painful trade-offs from the South. We are not lobbying from a place of weakness; we are standing firmly in a position of strength.”
He concluded by highlighting the broader implications of these reforms, stating, “These changes are more than political. They are economic necessities. They are about focused governance, better infrastructure, increased federal allocation, and grassroots democracy. Two new states will mean two new engines of development.”
Ned Nwoko to Oborevwori: Don’t Bring Your Old PDP Habits into APC — Your Defection Must Be Transformative
