By Kolawole Ojebisi
The lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, has advised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State against bringing the old politics and deals that contributed to the decline of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The legislator said this following the defection of the governor, his immediate predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and others from the PDP to the APC.
Nwoko gave the advice in a statement signed and released by him to newsmen on Friday in Asaba
The statement was titled “A New Dawn for New Delta and Anioma Statehood. Delivered as a personal charge to the Governor of Delta State on his defection to APC.”
It read, “With your courageous defection to the APC, a significant chapter in our nation’s political history is being rewritten.
“This moment is not just about shifting allegiances; it is about the bold possibilities now within reach. For the first time in decades, we have a real chance to restructure Nigeria’s federating units through constitutionally backed reforms that serve justice, equity, and true federalism.
“As Governor of Delta State, leading the charge among five PDP governors now aligning with the APC, you have stepped into a party reenergised and focused, a party that has already begun laying the groundwork for bold constitutional amendments.
“Chief among these is the creation of two new viable states: Anioma and New Delta. 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 also urged the governor to avoid bringing old politics and past deals into his new political alignment, stressing that his defection must lead to transformative change, not just symbolic gestures.
He said, “It now behoves you to rise to this historic moment. The past must not be carried into the future. As scripture warns, ‘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.
“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. It is time to right the wrongs of the past.
“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.”
The senator noted that for the first time, the APC had the numbers to amend the constitution, and now was the golden opportunity for Delta and the South to reap the benefits of development and federal recognition.
“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,” he stated.
Nwoko stated that this is the golden hour for the South, and especially for Delta, saying, “Your move to the APC must be anchored in vision. Embrace the party’s progressive agenda. Lead the charge for constitutional reform. Leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy.
“Your decision to align with the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda will ensure that New Delta State and Anioma are not left behind, but instead benefit immensely from the vast opportunities available at the centre.”
Recall that Nwoko dumped the PDP for the APC in February 2025, citing his exclusion from the party’s processes under Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
He claimed that the two prominent politicans’ stance was hindering his ability to bring development to his district.
