Lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that is set to alter the political balance in Delta State.

The announcement, made in Nwoko’s hometown of Idumuje Ugboko, in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, comes as the senator declared his strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Nwoko’s defection strengthens the APC’s hold over Delta State, where the senator’s move now leaves the state with all three of its current senators—Nwoko, Ede Dafinone, and Joel Onowakpo Thomas—aligned with the ruling party. Analysts believe the shift could have far-reaching implications, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While Nwoko has yet to make a formal statement, his spokesperson, Gloria Okolugbo, reportedly confirmed the senator’s decision during a consultative meeting with his constituents. According to Okolugbo, Nwoko had long hoped to drive key infrastructural projects in Delta North, including electricity and water supply, but faced political obstacles within the PDP that impeded his progress.

According to Okolugbo, the Delta North senator believes that by aligning with the ruling APC, he can better serve his constituents and help achieve more in terms of development. She explained that internal party struggles, particularly factionalism within the PDP, had made it increasingly difficult for the senator to secure funding for essential projects such as the Okpai Independent Power Project and the Ogwashi-Uku dam—key initiatives he believes are vital to improving the lives of his people.

“Nwoko came into office with a clear mandate to deliver good governance and infrastructure to the people of Delta North,” Okolugbo continued. “However, the internal dynamics of the PDP and the resistance he faced in getting support for his projects made it impossible for him to fulfill his promises.”

The senator’s defection has raised questions about the future of the PDP in the state, where Nwoko’s departure could signal broader dissatisfaction within the party. Speculation is now rife regarding the potential defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC. Although the governor has denied such claims, Nwoko’s exit has sparked fresh debate about the stability of the PDP in Delta.

For Nwoko, this move is seen as a strategic alignment with the Federal Government’s agenda. Okolugbo emphasized that the senator’s decision was driven by a desire to bring tangible benefits to his constituents, rather than just political gain.