By Mayor Ikoroha
Preamble
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, has emerged as a towering figure in Nigerian politics, blending legislative prowess, philanthropy, and strategic political maneuvering. His tenure as a senator, coupled with his longstanding commitment to the welfare of his constituents and his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), underscores a career marked by vision, action, and impact.
Regina Magazine delves into Nwoko’s achievements in the National Assembly, his philanthropic endeavors, and the masterstroke of his timely move to the APC ahead of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s belated defection.
Legislative Achievements in the National Assembly
Since his election in 2023, Senator Ned Nwoko has distinguished himself as a proactive and results-oriented legislator, representing the aspirations of Delta North with unwavering dedication. His legislative contributions span critical areas such as infrastructure, economic empowerment, and public health, reflecting his deep understanding of the needs of his constituency and Nigeria at large.
One of Nwoko’s flagship initiatives is his advocacy for the creation of Anioma State, a cause he has championed with relentless passion. He argues that the creation of Anioma State would address the marginalization of the Igbo-speaking people of Delta North and ensure equitable representation in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure. His push for this new state has gained traction, particularly within the APC, which he cites as a key reason for his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Nwoko’s legislative efforts on this front include sponsoring bills and engaging stakeholders to build consensus, positioning him as a unifying voice for his people.
Beyond state creation, Nwoko has been instrumental in addressing infrastructural deficits in Delta North. He has consistently lobbied for federal support for projects like the Okpai Independent Power Plant and the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, which he believes are critical to economic development in the region. His frustration with the PDP’s lack of support for these projects, coupled with Governor Oborevwori’s dismissal of their feasibility, underscored his decision to join the APC, where he could leverage federal influence to attract funding.
Nwoko’s legislative record also includes significant contributions to public health, particularly through his Ned Nwoko Malaria Eradication Project. In January 2020, he undertook a symbolic expedition to Antarctica to flag off this campaign, drawing global attention to the scourge of malaria in Africa. Through his foundation, he has funded research for an anti-malaria vaccine in partnership with African universities, demonstrating a commitment to innovative solutions for public health challenges. This initiative has earned him international recognition, including an award from a community in Cape Town, South Africa, for his fight against malaria.
Additionally, Nwoko’s earlier tenure in the House of Representatives (1999–2003) laid the groundwork for his legislative expertise. He played a pivotal role in securing refunds for states from the London and Paris Club loans by authoring reports that exposed discrepancies in loan repayments. His legal acumen, honed through his work with Ned Nwoko Solicitors and Linas International, also led to a landmark $3.2 billion judgment for local governments against illegal federal deductions, cementing his reputation as a defender of fiscal justice.
Philanthropic Gestures: A Heart for the People
Senator Nwoko’s philanthropy, channeled primarily through the Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation, has touched countless lives in Delta North and beyond. His contributions to education, youth empowerment, and community development reflect a deep-seated commitment to uplifting the less privileged.
In 2019, Nwoko donated $273,000 (N100 million) for the rehabilitation of failed portions of roads linking southeastern Nigeria to Abuja, easing transportation challenges for his constituents. His foundation has also supported educational initiatives, including scholarships and infrastructure upgrades for schools in Delta North. These efforts have earned him accolades such as the Icon of Philanthropy Award from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Social Impact Person of the Year award from Leadership Newspaper in 2022.
Nwoko’s empowerment programs have particularly resonated with youths. Through vocational training and financial support, he has enabled young people in Aniocha, Oshimili, and other local government areas to become self-reliant. His recognition as the Youth Emancipator of the Year by the Nigerian Media Awards in 2018 and the Africa Value Award for Effective Leadership and Youth Empowerment in the same year highlight the transformative impact of his initiatives.
His philanthropy extends to sports and cultural development. As a patron of the Asaba Sports Club, Nwoko has supported grassroots sports initiatives, fostering talent and promoting healthy lifestyles among youths. His contributions to community welfare, including support for widows and marginalized groups, earned him the Ogwashi Clan Widow’s League Award for his political vision and service to humanity.
The Masterstroke: Moving to the APC
Senator Nwoko’s defection to the APC on January 30, 2025, was a strategic move that reshaped Delta State’s political landscape and underscored his foresight. Citing the PDP’s internal crises, factionalism, and opposition to the creation of Anioma State, Nwoko joined the ruling party to better serve his constituents and secure federal support for critical projects. His decision was vindicated when Governor Oborevwori, facing political headwinds, defected to the APC in April 2025, a move Nwoko had anticipated and preempted.
Nwoko’s defection was not merely a reaction to PDP’s shortcomings but a calculated step to align with a party he believed could deliver on his vision for Delta North. He articulated this in interviews, stating that the PDP’s leadership, particularly Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, stifled his ability to function by dismissing key projects and denying him influence in state appointments. By joining the APC, Nwoko positioned himself as a bridge to federal resources, a move that has strengthened the party’s foothold in Delta State.
The timing of Nwoko’s defection proved to be a masterstroke. His move, announced on the Senate floor and celebrated by APC leaders like National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who described him as a “big whale,” galvanized the party’s ranks in Delta. It also drew significant defections from the PDP, with over 60% of its members joining the APC since 2023, including the influential Delta Unity Group. This mass exodus weakened the PDP’s grip on the state and positioned the APC to challenge for the governorship in 2027.
In contrast, Oborevwori’s defection came amid rumors of his political vulnerability and pressure to align with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to secure Delta for the APC. Nwoko, however, was unequivocal in his stance, publicly warning Oborevwori against joining the APC and asserting that the governor lacked the capacity to add value to the party. His bold rhetoric, backed by APC heavyweights like Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, underscored his influence within the party and his determination to shape Delta’s political future.
Conclusion
Senator Ned Nwoko’s tenure as the representative of Delta North in the National Assembly is a testament to his multifaceted contributions to governance, philanthropy, and political strategy. His legislative achievements, from advocating for Anioma State to driving public health and infrastructural reforms, have left an indelible mark on his constituency. His philanthropy, rooted in a genuine desire to uplift the marginalized, has earned him widespread admiration and numerous awards. Most notably, his defection to the APC, a move of remarkable foresight, has redefined Delta’s political dynamics, positioning him as a central figure in the state’s transition to a new era of governance. As Delta North looks to the future, Nwoko’s legacy as a visionary leader and patriot continues to inspire hope and progress.
Mayor Ikoroha is the Editor-In-Chief of Regina Magazine
