Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has accused Senator Ned Nwoko of disconnecting from grassroots politics, insisting that this led to his defeat in the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Delta North.
Speaking during an interview on News Central Television on Tuesday morning, Aniagwu said Nwoko relied too heavily on political influence outside the state while neglecting party structures and stakeholders at home.
The commissioner described Nwoko’s emergence as senator in 2023 as a “scholarship” allegedly facilitated by former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who he said directed his loyalists to support Nwoko at the time.
According to Aniagwu, Nwoko failed to appreciate the support that brought him to office and did little to maintain relationships with party members and community leaders across Delta North.
“He did not connect with commissioners, House of Assembly members, local government chairmen or ward leaders. These are the people who work directly with the grassroots,” Aniagwu said.
“Worst of all, during Yuletide, Ned will pretend to be a Muslim and will not gift traditional rulers even five months old goat, yet he expects their subjects to support him.”
He further alleged that the senator failed to carry out empowerment programmes or attract significant projects to the nine local government areas in Delta North in the past three years he has been the Senate.
Aniagwu argued that Okowa retained overwhelming support in the district because of his continued accessibility and close relationship with the people after leaving office as governor.
“Okowa attends functions, visits grieving families and celebrates with people during joyful occasions. Those relationships matter in politics,” he stated.
The commissioner said party primaries are decided by loyal party members who expect consistent engagement from aspirants, adding that many of the defeated contestants only resurfaced shortly before the elections.
He also criticised what he described as attempts by some politicians to rely on “old political glory” rather than genuine mobilisation.
Speaking on the broader outcome of the primaries, Aniagwu said zoning arrangements and local political sentiments also played major roles in several federal constituencies.
He cited the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, where Hon. Nicholas Mutu lost out partly because of agitation for power rotation to Patani Local Government Area after years of representation from Bomadi.
Aniagwu said the APC primaries in Delta ultimately rewarded candidates who maintained close contact with party members and respected local political dynamics.
Using a local proverb, he advised elected officials to always remain connected to their constituents. “When a squirrel is eating ripe palm fruits, it keeps its tail on the unripe one to remind itself that it will return there in future. Politicians must stay connected to the people because they will always come back to seek their support,” he said.
