A Nigerian senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, has firmly dismissed rumors of defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, amid speculation about his political allegiances. Leonard Esegbue, a former commissioner and head of Nwoko’s campaign organization, issued the rebuttal, calling the claims “baseless” and accusing political rivals of fabricating the narrative to undermine the lawmaker’s influence.
Esegbue stated that Nwoko remains loyal to the APC and maintains a strong working relationship with President Bola Tinubu, countering assertions of a rift between the two. He attributed the rumors to “mischief makers” seeking to disrupt political cohesion ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Nwoko, he emphasized, is actively campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election bid and has no intention of abandoning the party.
“These stories are designed to create unnecessary divisions and distractions,” Esegbue said. “Senator Nwoko is fully committed to advancing the APC’s goals and continues to collaborate with President Tinubu to drive national progress.” He warned that the speculation risked destabilizing public trust ahead of the next electoral cycle, which has already seen heightened political maneuvering across the country.
The clarification follows weeks of social media chatter and unverified reports suggesting discontent within the APC ranks, a recurring theme in Nigerian politics as factions jockey for visibility. Analysts note that defection rumors often surface during periods of internal party negotiations, particularly as politicians align strategies for future elections. Nwoko, a high-profile figure known for championing grassroots development in his constituency, has seen his political profile rise since his election in 2023, making him a target for rivals, according to his team.
Esegbue urged critics to focus on substantive policy debates rather than spreading misinformation and reiterated that any formal announcements regarding Nwoko’s political plans would originate from official party channels. He also underscored the senator’s legislative priorities, including infrastructure projects in Delta North and national security reforms, as evidence of his alignment with APC objectives.
The APC, which has governed Nigeria since 2015, faces growing scrutiny over economic challenges and security crises, factors that could influence party dynamics in the lead-up to 2027. Nwoko’s camp appears keen to project unity, reflecting a broader effort within the ruling party to mitigate internal disputes and present a cohesive front. As political tensions simmer, the dismissal of defection claims highlights the delicate balance of power shaping Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
