Victory cannot be self-declared’ — Delta North APC stakeholders tackle Okowa

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District have rejected what they described as a “self-declared victory” by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the party’s senatorial primaries, insisting that only the APC National Committee has the authority to officially announce results.

The stakeholders, in a strongly worded statement issued after the primaries, faulted Okowa’s alleged declaration of victory, describing it as a violation of party procedures and an attempt to manipulate public perception ahead of the official announcement.

“Victory cannot be self-declared. The authority to announce results rests solely with the party’s National Committee in line with APC guidelines,” the stakeholders stated.

They maintained that results collated from several wards across Delta North overwhelmingly favoured Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, whom they said won the exercise convincingly.

According to the stakeholders, the APC had clearly outlined the procedures for result collation before the primaries, including ward collation, local government collation and final submission to the national headquarters before any declaration could be made.

The group accused Okowa of disregarding the laid-down process by allegedly announcing himself winner before the completion of official procedures.

“These figures emerging from the wards are clear and consistent. The people spoke overwhelmingly in favour of Senator Ned Nwoko,” the statement added.

The stakeholders cited several ward results which they claimed reflected Nwoko’s dominance across the senatorial district.

In Ward 7, Ndokwa West, they said Nwoko polled 1,281 votes against Okowa’s 26 votes, while in Ward 9, Abbi, Ndokwa West, Nwoko reportedly secured 1,505 votes against Okowa’s 420.

They also listed results from wards in Ika North East, Ukwuani and Oshimili South local government areas, where they alleged Nwoko maintained wide margins over the former governor.

The stakeholders further alleged that the primaries were marred by violence and intimidation in areas believed to be strongholds of Senator Nwoko.

According to them, a party member identified as Igelige Chukunomnazu sustained injuries in Ward 9, Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area, following alleged attacks during the exercise.

They also claimed that an individual identified as Ernest was stabbed in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area during the primaries.

In another incident, stakeholders alleged that violence disrupted the process at Anishi Primary School in Ward 3, forcing the returning officer to flee the venue for safety.

Describing the incidents as attempts to suppress genuine voter expression, the stakeholders called on the APC National Committee to intervene and ensure that the final declaration reflects what they described as the true outcome of the primaries.

“The integrity of the party is at stake. This is not just about a primary election but about whether internal democracy will prevail,” the statement added.