Aniagwu Blasts Ned Nwoko, Says Okowa Crushed Him Due to Grassroots Failure

The Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information in Delta State, Charles Aniagwu, has alleged that Senator Ned Nwoko lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Delta North because of what he described as the senator’s poor relationship with grassroots political leaders and communities across the district.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Aniagwu said the overwhelming victory recorded by former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was a reflection of extensive political consultations and grassroots engagement carried out before the exercise.

According to the commissioner, Okowa secured 113,309 votes in the primary election, while Nwoko polled only 2,612 votes, a margin he described as evidence that the senator lacked political support within the district.

Aniagwu explained that internal party primaries differ significantly from general elections because party delegates and loyalists are more influenced by long-standing political relationships, consultations, and direct engagement with party structures at the grassroots level.

He alleged that Nwoko failed to establish meaningful contact with influential stakeholders across the 98 wards that make up Delta North Senatorial District, which comprises nine local government areas.

“Ned Nwoko was nowhere in any of the wards,” Aniagwu said during the interview. “He never reached out to leaders or stakeholders across the district to canvass support or even inform them of his intention to contest in the election.”

The commissioner further claimed that despite spending almost three years in the Senate, Nwoko allegedly remained disconnected from traditional rulers, ward leaders, and party officials within his constituency.

According to him, Delta North has about 65 traditional institutions, yet the senator allegedly failed to maintain regular interaction with many of the royal fathers.

Aniagwu also stated that Nwoko allegedly did not have cordial relationships with political office holders within the district, including commissioners, local government chairmen, and members of the Delta State House of Assembly.

He said: “There are 10 commissioners, nine House of Assembly members, and nine local government chairmen in the senatorial district. Ned Nwoko did not reach out to them before the primary election.”

The commissioner, who identified himself as a ward leader, claimed that Nwoko never personally contacted him or several other party leaders ahead of the APC primary.

He also alleged that the senator struggled politically even within his own community and ward in Aniocha North Local Government Area, insisting that this contributed heavily to his defeat.

Aniagwu accused Nwoko of having strained relations with some members of his community, alleging that several disputes and political disagreements weakened his support base at the grassroots.

He further referenced controversies surrounding the traditional institution in Nwoko’s community, alleging that the senator had opposed the conferment of official recognition and staff of office on the traditional ruler for a long period before the state government eventually proceeded with the recognition.

The commissioner also alleged that some members of the community felt intimidated or alienated by the senator’s political influence, claiming this negatively affected his popularity ahead of the primary election.

Contrasting both aspirants, Aniagwu praised Okowa for what he described as an aggressive grassroots mobilization strategy before the exercise.

According to him, the former governor moved across all nine local government areas inDelta North, holding meetings with party stakeholders, political appointees, and community leaders in preparation for the election.

He claimed Okowa maintained direct communication with numerous political leaders and supporters across the district, which allegedly strengthened his acceptance within the party structure.

Aniagwu also dismissed public impressions suggesting that Nwoko enjoyed massive support during the primary election.

Referring to videos and images circulated online, he alleged that many of the people seen around.