Senator Ned Nwoko’s defection to APC causes uproar in plenary as Sen. Moro debunks claim of division in PDP
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Senate was thrown into a rowdy session on Wednesday at plenary shortly after Senator Ned Nwoko’s (PDP, Delta North, had presented his letter of defection to All Progressive Congress (APC) based on division in his former party.
Recall that news of his defection dominated a section of the conventional and social media a few weeks back
The first term senator who was elected on the platform of the PDP in 2023 made known his new political destination in a notice of departure addressed to the President of the Senate.
Senator Nwoko had in his declaration averred that his decision to dump PDP was persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.
His letter reads in part,”I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and consequently Join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision was not made lightly, but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District.
The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.
“These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.”
Continuing the embattled Senator said”Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians are heard.
” The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy. If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.
“In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy. This committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that will ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation.
“Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate.”
The letter however sparked partisan argument as the Minority Leader, Abba Moro described Nwoko’s defection as illegal and unconstitutional as there was no faction in the opposition PDP.
Moro argued that while differences is an inevitable feature of political parties, the PDP stands as a united party.
On the dispute over the party’s National Secretary seat, the Minority Leader said the party as a law abiding entity holds on to the subsisting verdict of the court while the legal tussle continues at the apex court.
But, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele quickly pointed out the crisis in the PDP over the National Secretary seat which matter is already in court is enough evidence for Ned Nwoko to dump the party.
Senator Moro however replied that the PDP as a law abiding party has already obtained a court ruling confirming Sam Anyanwu as the authentic Secretary of the party as well as a stay of execution of the Appeal Court judgement on him.
Akpabio, however, did not to set up the ad -hoc committee as advised to look into the immediate and remote causes of crisis in the PDP because the matter is already in court.
With Nwoko’s addition, the ruling APC has a convincing majority of 64 senators , the PDP 33, Labour Party five while both the Social Democratic Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party have two members each and All Progressives Grand Alliance has one senator.
Anambra South seat is yet to be filled after the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Edo Central seat remains vacant after emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State.
