“We Are Stronger Without Him”: PDP Reacts to Ned Nwoko’s Exit

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward 8 in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Clement Chiazor, has reacted to the recent defection of Senator Ned Nwoko from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, officially announced his departure in a resignation letter submitted to Chiazor on January 30, 2025.

In the letter, Nwoko cited “disunity, division, and factionalisation” within the PDP as the reasons for his decision to leave the party. However, Chiazor, in a statement issued shortly after receiving Nwoko’s resignation, dismissed the senator’s exit as laughable and inconsequential.

Chiazor, who has long been critical of Nwoko’s political shifts, labelled him a “serial defector,” recounting the senator’s history of leaving the PDP for other parties. He noted that Nwoko first left the PDP in 2003 to contest for the governorship position under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and later defected again in 2011 to the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) to run for Senate. In each instance, Chiazor emphasized, the PDP continued to thrive.

“The party has never been affected by Nwoko’s serial defection,” Chiazor said. “Yesterday, I received a resignation letter from Senator Ned Nwoko, but PDP Ward 8 is an indivisible, formidable, and united big family. Let’s not be distracted by his departure. The PDP has weathered his defections in the past and has only grown stronger. We are not shaken by his exit.”

Chiazor also reminded the public that in 2023, PDP gave Nwoko the opportunity to represent Delta North in the Senate, but he has once again abandoned the party after just over a year in office. “His defection at this time is laughable. Barely a year after being elected, he has jumped ship again. This will not affect the strength of our party,” Chiazor added.

The PDP leader called on party members to remain focused and loyal, urging supporters not to be distracted by Nwoko’s personal decisions. He urge supporters to stay strong, loyal, and committed to the PDP, stating that loyalty pays off, and the party will continue to focus on bringing the much-needed infrastructural and human capital development to Delta State in line with the M.O.R.E AGENDA of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Chiazor also asserted that the PDP remains the dominant political force in Delta North and the entire state.

Following Nwoko’s resignation, reports have emerged that his mother-in-law, Rita Daniels, a former state officer of the PDP and ex-aide to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has also resigned from her position as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Women Mobilisation and Empowerment to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

A member of the Delta North PDP, who spoke anonymously, claimed that Daniels had benefited significantly from her association with the party, especially during the 2023 presidential election. “Rita Daniels can’t deny the financial support she received from the PDP, particularly from Governor Okowa,” the source stated.

Despite the departures, Chiazor remains confident in the PDP’s continued success in Delta State, urging party members to stay united and focused on the future.